Plácido Domingo To Star In FGO’s Gala Night 11/15

Plácido Domingo joins the cast of Federico Moreno Torroba's Luisa Fernanda, a zarzuela co-production of Florida Grand Opera (FGO) and the SaludArte Foundation, in a special gala performance of the zarzuela that opens FGO's 2011-2012 season. The world renowned tenor is scheduled to sing the leading role of Vidal Hernando for a one-night-only performance for A Zarzuela Gala on November 15, 2011.

Throughout his illustrious career, Domingo has done numerous performances with FGO, including Aida in 1972, The Girl of the Golden West in 1979 and Andrea Chénier in 1983. Having last performed in Miami in 1991, his appearance with FGO presents a truly unique opportunity for the South Florida community.

"We are honored to welcome such a legendary artist as Plácido Domingo, who has transcended the classical music world to become a household name. A true advocate of the zarzuela tradition, there is no better star to commemorate Florida Grand Opera's first zarzuela production," said Bob Heuer, FGO's General Director and CEO.

One of the most influential and widely recognized classical singers in history, Domingo's repertoire encompasses 134 roles and 3500 career performances, including the famous Three Tenors concerts of the 1990s. An equally distinguished conductor, his baton has led more than 450 opera performances and symphonic concerts. He is also a respected opera administrator, serving as general director of Los Angeles Opera and, until recently, Washington National Opera.

With a personal investment in the tradition of zarzuela, Domingo has made it a goal to "... introduce this wonderful art form to new audiences ... the music of my native Spanish heritage is full of so many wonderfully entertaining works."

More than the music of his homeland, zarzuelas were the lullabies of Domingo's childhood. His father and mother, both highly respected zarzuela singers, traveled from Spain to Mexico with Torroba's company and sang the respective leads in Luisa Fernanda. They established their own zarzuela company in Mexico, where Domingo acquired his dedication and love for the theater and began following in his father's footsteps - the greatest Vidal Hernando of his time.

LUISA FERNANDA

Luisa Fernanda premiered in Madrid's Teatro Calderon in 1932 and is considered to be the last great romantic zarzuela. The plot is set during the republican-monarchist conflicts of 1868. The heroine, Luisa Fernanda, finds herself in a love triangle with Javier, a dashing young officer in the Queen's army, and Vidal Hernando, a flirtatious and wealthy landowner. When the republicans win the war, Javier's place on the side of the monarchy lands him in jail, and his disappearance provides a chance for Vidal to win the leading lady's heart. Just days before the two are to wed, Javier returns, and Luisa Fernanda is forced to choose between them.

The production, from Madrid's Teatro Real, has been seen at Milan's La Scala, Washington National Opera, and Los Angeles Music Center Opera. It will be conducted by Pablo Mielgo and with production by Emilio Sagi, a seasoned zarzuela director whose grandfather originated the role of Vidal Hernando in 1932.

Accompanying Domingo's Vidal will be Amparo Navarro as Luisa Fernanda and Antonio Gandía as Javier. Àngel Òdena will play the lead role of Vidal Hernando in all performances other than the Zarzuela Gala. FGO's production of Luisa Fernanda made possible in part by a generous gift by J.P. Morgan Private Bank.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
*Sung in Spanish with English & Spanish projected translations*

MIAMI ? Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County / Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House
November 12, 2011, at 7 p.m. - Opening Night;
November 15, 2011, at 7 p.m. - GALA NIGHT with Placido Domingo;
November 18, 22, 23, & 26, 2011, at 8 p.m.;
November 20, 2011, matinee at 2 p.m.

FORT LAUDERDALE ? Broward Center for the Performing Arts / Au-Rene Theater
December 1, 2011, at 7:30 p.m.;
December 3, 2011, at 8 p.m.

GALA & TICKET INFORMATION

Reservations for the full Zarzuela Gala Evening, including the Luisa Fernanda performance with Plácido Domingo, three luxurious receptions, and the Dinner Dance on the Lynn Wolfson Stage, begin at $1,500 per person. Tables for the full evening range from $15,000 to $100,000. Reservations for the full Zarzuela Gala Evening are currently available only to Lyric Society donors of $1,500 and above. Zarzuela Gala Evening reservations are subject to availability.

Tickets to the Zarzuela Gala Performance of Luisa Fernanda only, ranging in price from $65 to $500, available to FGO subscribers as of September 19, 2011, and to the general public as of October 17, 2011.

To reserve tables or individual tickets for the full Zarzuela Gala Evening as well as sponsorship or underwriting information, please contact Denise Courshon at (305) 854-1643 or dcourshon@fgo.org. For information about Luisa Fernanda performances, contact the Box Office by phone at (800) 741-1010 or online at www.FGO.org.

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