Odyssey Opera Announces 2017 WILDE OPERA NIGHTS

Following Odyssey Opera's fall performance of The Picture of DorIan Gray by Lowell liebermann, Artistic and General Director Gil Rose today announced the company's 2017 Spring Season, a continuation of works inspired by the writings of Oscar Wilde. Building on the company's track record of producing hidden gems from the operatic canon, Odyssey Opera presents three more masterpieces inspired by the writings and world of Oscar Wilde:

The Importance of Being Earnest by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco; The Dwarf (Der Zwerg) by Alexander von Zemlinsky, and Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert. "This season's unique operas have been unjustly neglected by American opera companies," stated Rose. "My goal is to continue to advocate for and present rare but entertaining works that Boston audiences deserve to hear. This season will showcase incredible music, some of the country's most prominent and emerging singers, and a fresh take on the classic writings of Oscar Wilde."

Regarded as one of history's greatest playwrights and authors, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) is best known for his novel The Picture of DorIan Gray and play The Importance of Being Earnest. His rich and dramatic and comic portrayals of the human condition continue to inspire millions around the world. Despite being one of Ireland's most beloved writers, his personal life was at odds with societal norms of the day and the scandals that followed eclipsed the appreciation of his genius. Wilde's career peaked during the prosperous Victorian Era of the late 19th Century, at a time when his homosexuality was a criminal offense. "Odyssey Opera provides a dramatic backdrop for sharing Wilde's harrowing story, biting humor, and brilliant wit," said Rose. "It is no surprise that the stories and characters of Oscar Wilde continue to fascinate more than 100 years after his death."

All performances will be conducted by Gil Rose. Tickets for Odyssey Opera's 2017 performances are now on sale at odysseyopera.org

About Odyssey Opera
Founded in 2013 by artistic director/conductor Gil Rose, Odyssey Opera presents adventurous and eclectic works that affirm opera as a powerful expression of the human experience. Its world-class artists perform the operatic repertoire from its historic beginnings through lesser-known masterpieces to contemporary new works and commissions in varied formats and venues. Odyssey Opera sets standards of high musical and theatrical excellence and innovative programming to advance the operatic genre beyond the familiar and into undiscovered territory. Odyssey Opera takes its audience on a journey to places they've never been before. odysseyopera.org