NC Opera Performs DON GIOVANNI Tonight

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina Opera is proud to present Mozart's Don Giovanni, in a spectacular fully staged production this April at Raleigh's A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater.

A Spanish nobleman seduces every woman he meets - aristocrat or peasant, young or old, brash or demure. On this day he seeks to add to his list of his conquests, but is thwarted by the wits and courage of his adversaries, along with supernatural forces. Dramatic, thrilling and even funny, this theatrically-charged production features a terrific ensemble cast and a lively score. Don Giovanni is sure to delight and engage Triangle audiences in these five performances (performed in Italian with projected English surtitles) by your North Carolina Opera.

"Only Mozart had the brilliant lightness of touch to present this story that is funny and epic at the same time. This has been the most influential opera ever, and we have a brilliant young cast here that will bring out all the piece's great passion and energy." says North Carolina Opera General Director Eric Mitchko.

A cast of talented rising opera stars will put their stamp on this ultimate tragicomedy. Hailed by the New York Times as a "strong, mellifluous voice," Bass-Baritone J.C. Cha will perform the title role of Don Giovanni. Supported by these other outstanding cast members: Soprano Hailey Clark who wowed NCO audiences in last season's Opera in the Pines and Cosi fan tutte (as Donna Elvira), Soprano Alexandra Loutsion (as Donna Anna), Bass Adam Lau (as Leporello), Tenor David Blalock (as Don Ottavio), Soprano Jennifer Cherest (as Zerlina), David Weigel (as Masetto), and Benjamin Leclair (as Commendatore). Don Giovanni's cast and orchestra will be conducted by North Carolina Opera's Artistic Director Timothy Myers and directed by Crystal Manich with lighting design by Tlaloc Lopez-Watermann.

North Carolina Opera presents five performances of the fully staged Don Giovanni on Saturday, April 18 at 8pm, Sunday, April 19 at 3pm, Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30pm, Friday, April 24 at 8pm, and Sunday, April 26 at 3pm. All performances take place at A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater in the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. Tickets and information can be found online at www.ncopera.org or by calling the North Carolina Opera offices at 919.792.3853.

Join us for a special Don Giovanni Behind the Scenes discussion at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh on Tuesday, April 7 at 7pm. This event is FREE, open to the public and is co-sponsored by Quail Ridge Books & Music and WCPE-89.7 FM.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA OPERA

North Carolina Opera was formed in 2010 from the merger of The Opera Company of North Carolina and Capital Opera Raleigh. It is dedicated to presenting operatic performances at the highest level throughout the Triangle. We also have a robust education program that brings opera to schools across Wake County and surrounding counties. North Carolina Opera brings international level artists to Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, and also engages the best in local Triangle talent. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthCarolinaOpera or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncoperafor up to date information on events in the community, news and more.