Stephanie Blythe to Appear Opposite Martha Graham Cracker in Special Event DITO & AENEAS

Stephanie Blythe, a renowned mezzo-soprano "who can do anything" according to The New York Times, will put that theory to the test this February with Opera Philadelphia, as she tries on a Rossini trouser role for the first time and hitches up her pants to appear alongside "the world's tallest and hairiest drag queen" for an immersive concert event.

Considered one of the most respected and critically acclaimed artists of her generation, Blythe makes her highly anticipated first appearances in the title role of Rossini's Tancredi, February 10-19 2017 at the historic Academy of Music. The production from Opéra de Lausanne and Teatro Municipal de Santiago transports the medieval story of chivalry and tragic love to the elegant atmosphere of Europe at the end of World War I. Soprano Brenda Rae, known for her "knockout coloratura skills" and "luminous nobility" (Opera News), makes her company debut as Amenaide, the love of the exiled warrior Tancredi. When Amenaide is sentenced to death for an act of treason she did not commit, a disguised Tancredi returns to defend both his love and home.

"Opera Philadelphia is thrilled to present the company premiere of Tancredi, one of Rossini's most lyrical operas, in a beautiful production that is perfectly suited to the Academy of Music," said David B. Devan, General Director and President. "With a fresh take on Rossini's opera and a star like Stephanie Blythe in her role debut alongside a dynamic cast, many of whom are appearing on our stage for the first time, Tancredi promises boundless opportunities for artistic exploration and discovery."

"I essayed my first title role in a Rossini opera right here on the Academy of Music stage back in 2000 as Isabella in L'Italiana in Algeri, with Maestro Rovaris leading the way," Blythe said. "It is a great joy and privilege to perform in my first staged version of Tancredi with my friend at the podium and the luminescent Brenda Rae by my side. Being part of a first rate cast is such a joy!"

Blythe will also take a very different Philadelphia stage on Friday, February 24, as Opera Philadelphia hosts an immersive, one-of-a-kind drag performance starring the renowned mezzo-soprano alongside the world's tallest and hairiest drag queen Dito van Reigersberg as Martha Graham Cracker. Dito & Aeneas: Two Queens, One Night is a concert and dance party taking place at 9:30 p.m. at the TLA (Theatre of Living Arts), a classic rock venue located at 334 South Street.

"I have done a good deal of crossover music, but never anything quite like this," Blythe said. "This evening is about making dreams become reality, of crossing over many kinds of boundaries to experience pure joy, love, positivity, and wonderful energy. I have been an admirer of Martha Graham Cracker for a long time, and to share the stage with her is truly a dream come true. She and Dito make me feel like an invincible force onstage, because that is what Martha is-she shares that generosity of spirit with every audience member, and I love being a recipient too."

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