The Dallas Opera Presents DALLAS OPERA PERSPECTIVES: “WHEN ART AND RELIGION COLLIDE,' 9/29

The Dallas Opera is proud to present the first of this season'sDallas Opera Perspectives: "When Art and Religion Collide," a free, in-depth exploration of the role of religion in the creation of both visual and performing arts, including works like The Dallas Opera's second production of the 2014-2015 Season, Salome by Richard Strauss. The panel will also explore how this relationship is evolving in an increasingly interactive, yet balkanized and secular world.

This lively discussion will take place in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2014. The Arts District landmark is located at 1928 Ross Avenue, approximately three blocks from the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House and the public is encouraged to attend.

Moderated by Dr. Christopher Anderson, an award-winning author and Associate Professor of Sacred Music at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, the panel will consist of three influential leaders representing different branches of the arts: the Eugene McDermott Director of the Dallas Museum of Art Maxwell Anderson, Dallas Theater Center Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty and Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny.

"Although our primary means of engaging the community is through performance," explains Keith Cerny, "I believe it is just as important for The Dallas Opera to lend our brand to meaningful public discourse on a variety of timely and important topics. The complex relationship between art and religion throughout human history gives us much to analyze and discuss from the perspective of three hugely influential art forms-and we are eager for the audience to share their thoughts on the subject as well."

"What is the underlying purpose of art?" asks Dr. Christopher Anderson. "How do secular or even anti-religious currents in the community affect the role of the artist? Is there a place for transcendence in art divorced from religion? How successfully has religion guided the artistic expression of society and family values? What about those occasions when art or religion are misappropriated in order to suppress?"

"These are just a few of the questions that will fuel our conversation," he adds, "in an evening that may spark deeply personal responses."

The evening will conclude with an open Q and A with members of the audience. No question is too controversial.

Walk-ups are welcome; however, we recommend that you reserve your seat now by going to www.dallasopera.org/conversations.

Parking is available in Bryan Tower at the corner of San Jacinto and Harwood, diagonally opposite the church, with a special event price of $3. Paid parking may also be found in one of several surface lots nearby and on the street. Handicapped parking is available at the church.

The Dallas Opera's 2014-2015 Season is sponsored by

Texas Instruments Foundation

Flex subscriptions begin at $75 for the 2014-2015 Season. Full Subscriptions begin at $95. For additional information about the coming season, call The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214-443-1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org.

EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA

IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7

VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

Ticket Information for the 2014-2015 Dallas Opera Season

All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275 and Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting at $75. Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.

THE DALLAS OPERA 2014-2015 SEASON INFORMATION

The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Eighth International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk begins one hour prior to curtain, at most performances excluding FIRST NIGHT of the season.

Photo Courtesy of the Dallas Opera's website