Odyssey Opera Announces THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST As Part of WILDE NIGHT OPERA SERIES, 3/17-18

Boston's most original and innovative opera company, Odyssey Opera, continues its Wilde Opera Nights series, a season-long exploration of operatic works inspired by the writings and world of Oscar Wilde. The season continues with the Boston premiere of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco's final opera setting, The Importance of Being Earnest. Inspired by Wilde's most famous play, this comedic masterpiece is brought to life in full staging with music that pokes as much fun at the opera world as Wilde does at Victorian society. Led by conductor Gil Rose, the Odyssey Opera continues its trademark of performing hidden gems from the operatic canon. The dynamic tenor Neal Ferreira makes his Odyssey Opera debut in the lead role of Jack.

Odyssey Opera season provides a forum for sharing Oscar Wilde's dramatic stories, biting humor, and brilliant wit in its season-long concert series, Wilde Opera Nights. The Importance of Being Earnest marks the second of four performances in the series: The Picture of DorIan Gray by Lowell Lieberman (November 18, 2016), The Dwarf (Der Zwerg) by Alexander von Zemlinsky (April 14, 2017), and Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert (June 2-3, 2017).

A tale of deception, disguise and misadventure, with plot twists and characters that satirize Victorian values, The Importance of Being Earnest is set by one of the 20th Century's master concert and film composers, Mario Castelnuevo-Tedesco. "Set to music in a continually clever fashion by Castelenuevo-Tedesco, Wilde's greatest comedy takes on a new life," stated Gil Rose, Artistic and General Director of Odyssey Opera. "Opera buffs will be intrigued with the many opera quotations and references!"

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 understanding of the human condition continues 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 during his lifetime. Wilde's career peaked during the prosperous Victorian Era of the late 19th Century, at a time when his homosexuality was a criminal offense. Subsequent decades have proven Wilde to be one of the great writers of the English language. Opera composers have often been inspired by his world and writings.

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