THE GRAND DUCHESS OF GEROLSTEIN, OSCAR and More Set for Santa Fe Opera's 2013-14 Season, Beg. Tonight

A season of timeless beauty and fun begins today, June 28th, at the Santa Fe Opera. Discover this summer's new, rarely performed and longtime favorites in stylish productions presented by an unforgettable group of artists and musicians. It's world-class opera in an incredible setting.

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THE ULTIMATE COUGAR

THE GRAND DUCHESS
OF GEROLSTEIN I Offenbach

A love triangle with an amorous aristocrat

She's the Grand Duchess of a place called Gerolstein, but she looks suspiciously like an all-American flirt; not to mention the richest gal in town. Yes, all's fair in love and war games at the Gerolstein Military Academy, with its dashing uniformed cadets and apple-cheeked local sweethearts cheering them on, along with the Academy's patroness - the Grand Duchess herself - in amorous pursuit. Ebullient mezzo-soprano Susan Graham portrays a sexy, spoiled aristocrat with an eye for Fritz, a young cadet sung by the dynamic American tenor Paul Appleby. There's just one problem: He's already engaged. Emmanuel Villaume conducts, Lee Blakeleydirects.

LOVE UNMASKED

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO I Mozart

It's a classic romantic comedy about human equality, aristocratic entitlement, marriage, and the battle of the sexes

Combining knockabout farce with psychological insight and sublime music, The Marriage of Figaro's transcendent depiction of redemptive love includes many of Mozart's most beloved arias and ensembles. Its scheming principals hide behind chairs, don disguises and finally reconcile with the right partners... learning about themselves and life along the way. Fast-rising baritoneZachary Nelson sings Figaro alongside Lisette Oropesa, in her SFO debut as Susanna. Daniel Okulitch and Susanna Phillips, as the Count and Countess, round out an exciting cast lineup. John Nelson conducts, Bruce Donnell directs.

ONLY THE HEART KNOWS

LA DONNA DEL LAGO I Rossini

A romantic masterpiece about a mysterious beauty
with a secret identity

La Donna del Lago is Rossini's most romantic masterpiece. An opera with all the glories of bel canto vocal style on full display, it was the first to be based on one of Sir Walter Scott's Waverly novels. The lady of the title, Elena, fascinates us as she fascinates her three suitors; she's a strong woman who sticks to her principles in the face of adversity and brings the opera's tumultuous action to a triumphant resolution. Magnificent mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato has won worldwide acclaim for her interpretation of Rossini heroines. Dynamic tenor Lawrence Brownlee makes his SFO debut as King James of Scotland. Stephen Lord conducts, Paul Curran directs.

ALL THAT BLOOMS FADES

LA TRAVIATA I Verdi

A real life story about a doomed courtesan

La Traviata is Verdi's most tenderly observed depiction of love in many forms, from family devotion to romantic passion... from flaming jealously to loyal friendship. It also reveals the hypocritical realities behind the gorgeous façade of 19th-Century Parisian life, brilliantly illuminated in this production. Acclaimed soprano Brenda Rae sings Violetta opposite the dashing Michael Fabiano as Alfredo. Roland Wood makes his American debut as Giorgio Germont. Leo Hussain, the exciting British maestro, conducts. Laurent Pelly directs.

THE LOVE THAT DARED

OSCAR

A literary genius who sacrifices freedom for love

Buzz has been building in anticipation of the world premiere of Oscar, composer Theodore Morrison's opera based on the life of Oscar Wilde. Working with librettist John Cox, Morrison reveals the profoundly human side of Oscar Wilde. Still known mainly for his brilliant witticisms, for his hilarious satirical plays, and for "the love that dare not speak its name," Wilde's experiences at the hands of the English justice system transformed him into a champion for human and prisoners' rights. Acclaimed countertenor David Danielsperforms the title role. Kevin Newbury directs. Evan Rogister, who enthralled audiences with his leadership of King Roger last season, is at the podium.

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