Utah Opera to Present COSI FAN TUTTE at Capitol Theatre, 3/14-22

Utah Opera tests the limits of friendship, fidelity, and credibility in the production of Mozart's "Così fan tutte" to see if love can indeed conquer and resist all. Conducted by Will Crutchfield and directed by Crystal Manich, this is the third production of Utah Opera's 2014-15 season. The performances are from March14 to 20 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre at 7:30 p.m., with a matinée performance on Sunday, March 22, at 2 p.m.

"Così fan tutte", an opera buffa (comic opera) in two acts, was premiered in the penultimate year of Mozart's life at the age of 34. Commonly translated to mean "Women are like that," the tale unfolds as two sisters are surprised when their fiancés are suddenly called to war, not realizing the men have actually hatched an elaborate plot to challenge the women's faithfulness. Mozart's tale of seduction and love combines silly disguises, mistaken identities, and sublime music. You might call it a pre-cursor to the modern romantic comedy genre of film.

Karin Wolverton returns to the Utah Opera stage after her role in "The Grapes of Wrath" as Fiordiligi, one of the sisters. Ms. Wolverton has been described as having a "lovely warm tone, easy agility and winning musicality" by "Opera News". She is no stranger to Mozart, having recently performed Don Giovanni with Opera Omaha and with upcoming performances of the same role in Austin.

Playing Fiordiligi's sister, Dorabella, mezzo-soprano Leah Wool returns to Utah Opera. Hailed by "Opera News" as "among the more distinctive and accomplished artists of her generation," Ms. Wool began her career as a Utah Opera Resident Artist, has returned for multiple productions, and has become a much sought after artist with recent performances in Boston and San Francisco.

Tenor Aaron Blake, who "The Los Angeles Times" praised as a "vocal powerhouse", returns to the Utah Opera stage singing his debut in the role of the soldier, Ferrando, Dorabella's lover. "Instant Encore" describes Mr. Blake, also a former Utah Opera Resident Artist, as an artist with "a rare precious gift [who] is on his way to being one of the greatest tenors of our time."

David Adam Moore returns to Utah Opera in the baritone role of soldier and Fiordiligi's lover, Guglielmo. Praised by the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer" for his "enviable swagger coupled with a subtle musicality and big, handsome voice," Mr. Moore has performed internationally and has upcoming performances with The Metropolitan Opera and Arizona Opera.

Despina, a maid, will be performed by Utah Opera Resident Artist lyric-mezzo soprano Abigail Levis. A recent semifinalist in the Hans Gabor Belvedere Competition and Placido Domingo's Operalia Competition, as well as finalist in the Cesti Innsbruck Competition for Baroque Music, Ms. Levis has won many competitions including the Joy in Singing Competition in 2012.

The Utah Opera Costume Shop, under Director Verona Green, is constructing all new 1920s-style costumes designed by Susan Memmott-Allred in Utah Opera's state-of-the-art production studios. The designs include a mix of vibrant colors and styles , including middle and upper class daywear, evening wear, "flapper" wear, decorative hats, masquerade ball masks, and swimwear as well as three-piece suits for the men.

This performance will last approximately three hours with one intermission.

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