Arizona Opera Set to Perform DON GIOVANNI in Phoenix and Tucson This Spring

The man, the myth and the legend. Mozart's Don Giovanni comes to the Arizona Opera stage February 26-28 in Symphony Hall in Phoenix and March 5-6 in Tucson Music Hall. Don Giovanni is sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Don Giovanni follows the adventures of the infamous lover in Seville, Spain, and is considered by many to be Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's greatest work. The masterpiece includes the recognizable overture and the famous "Catalogue Aria" sung by Leporello, counting the Don's numerous conquests.

Taking the title role, is one of today's leading baritones, Morgan Smith, who is becoming known nationally for his portrayal of the lecherous ladies man. "Baritone Morgan Smith gives an electrifying performance as Don Giovanni, radiating saturnine power, dark magnetism and cruel charm. His ample, cognac-smooth voice has just enough snarl to give it bite. This young singer already inhabits the role the way James Bond fills a tux." -The Bellingham Herald

Tickets start at $25 and are on sale at www.azopera.org or by calling (602) 266-7464 (Phoenix) or(520) 293-4336 (Tucson).

Taking the title role of the rakish Don Giovanni is baritone Morgan Smith. With his "strong, dense baritone" Smith brings an undeniable dark charm to the role of Mozart's seducer. Recent successes for Mr. Smith include his return to San Francisco Opera for the role of Starbuck in Jake Heggie's Moby-Dick, a role he inaugurated for the world premiere at Dallas Opera and later sang at San Diego Opera.

This is Mr. Smith's debut performance with Arizona Opera.

Alternating the role of Don Giovanni is baritone Joseph Lattanzi (Feb. 27). A member of the Arizona Opera Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artist Program, Lattanzi is gaining notice for his "robust vocalism," "unmistakable charisma," and "undeniable star potential." The Mableton, GA native has studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). In addition to two summers at the Merola Opera Program, he has participated in programs at the Brevard Music Center and the Chautauqua Institute Voice Program.

The cast also includes Melinda Whittington as Donna Anna, Jennifer Johnson Cano as Donna Elvira and Joseph Barron as Leporello for the performances on February 26, 28 and March 5, and Marion Roose Pullin studio alumnus Andrea Shokery as Donna Anna, Sarah Larsen as Donna Elvira and Matthew Burns as Leporello for the performances on February 27 and March 6. Full cast listings and details available at www.azopera.org

Steven White takes the podium as conductor and the production will be directed by Tara Faircloth who last directed this season's Carmen.

Don Giovanni Outreach and Education Events

Operatíf

February 19 at 6:30 pm
Enjoy a glass of wine and discuss details of a main stage opera with General Director Ryan Taylor. Guests are invited "behind the scenes" to view a portion of the opera's final rehearsal at Arizona Opera Center. Registration is required. $25 per person

Arizona Opera Book Club: Mozart's Women
February 22 at 7:00 pm
Join us at Changing Hands' Phoenix location (300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013) for a discussion of Mozart's Women, by Jane Glover.

SPECIAL EVENT!
Q&A with Mozart's Women Author Jane Glover
February 17th @ 7:00pm
Arizona Opera Center (1636 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ)

February 18th @ 7:00pm
University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music (Rm 145, 1017 N Olive Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719)
Join us for a special conversation with author and internationally renowned conductor Jane Glover. Moderated by Arizona Opera General Director Ryan Taylor, this discussion will explore Jane's experiences with Mozart's work and life, as well as how those experiences shaped the musician and woman she became.

Don Giovanni Student Night
February 24 at 7:00 pm
A limited number of tickets for Student Night in Phoenix are available for schools and community groups.

Arrive at the theater one hour prior to curtain for a pre-performance chat with Arizona Opera Director of Education, Joshua Borths.

Visit www.azopera.org/calendar for detailed calendar of outreach events.