Lyric Opera of Kansas City Artistic Director Ward Holmquist, announced today that baritone Keith Phares has withdrawn from his engagement in the title role of Don Giovanni for health reasons.
"Mr. Phares has delighted Lyric Opera audiences in three different productions since 2003, including The Merry Widow and The End of the Affair" noted Mr. Holmquist. "I am deeply sorry that a persistent illness has compelled him to withdraw from our production."American baritone Christopher Schaldenbrand will join the production immediately, and will sing all four performances of the Mozart opera. Don Giovanni is one of his signature roles, which he has portrayed on many American stages, including the Boston Lyric Opera and the New York City Opera. Mr. Schaldenbrand is currently on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera. His international career has taken him to many companies, including the Minnesota Opera, Opéra National de Paris, Seattle Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis and the Compañía de Ópera de Bellas Artes at the Festival del Centro Histórical de México.Don Giovanni: The Story
With more than 2,000 names in his book of female conquests, Don Giovanni finds himself in a sticky situation and kills the father of his latest female interest. Will the main character, based on the legendary Don Juan, be able to get away with his devil-may-care lifestyle or will he finally get what he deserves?
On Monday, April 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Eugene Butler will lecture on Don Giovanni. The presentation is located in the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library at 4801 Main St., Kansas City, MO.
At Ease with Opera is presented free of charge by the Lyric Opera Guild.
The Lyric Opera of Kansas City is a member of OPERA America, and this production is made possible with funding from the Lathrop and Gage, LLP, Bank of America, The Kansas City Star, Midwest Airlines, Missouri Arts Council and the Arts KC Fund.Cast List
Don Giovanni: Christopher Schaldenbrand*Videos