Luis Ledesma Replaces Mark Delavan in Atlanta Opera's TOSCA, Begin. 10/5

The Atlanta Opera opens its 2013-2014 season with a production of Giacomo Puccini's dramatic tour de force, Tosca. Tosca will be presented on October 5, 8, 11 and 13 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and will be directed by new General and Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, who joined the Opera on June 1. Single tickets, ranging from $26-$133 plus convenience and venue fees, can be purchased online at atlantaopera.org, or by calling404-881-8885.

CASTING CHANGE: Due to a scheduling conflict, the role of Baron Scarpia will now be performed by baritone Luis Ledesma, who will be replacing Mark Delavan. Ledesma is renowned for his portrayal of the sinister and manipulative Baron, and frequently sings both the heroes and villains in operas by Puccini and Verdi. Soprano Kara Shay Thomson will be making her debut with The Atlanta Opera as Floria Tosca, a role she has sung more than 75 times. The Cincinnati Enquirer wrote, "Kara Shay Thomson [projects] an alluring presence and a luxuriant lyric voice that remains smooth all the way to her powerhouse top notes." The role of Mario Cavaradossi will be sung by tenor Massimiliano Pisapia, in his United States debut. The conductor of Tosca is the Atlanta Opera's Carl and Sally Gable Music Director Arthur Fagen. Tosca also will feature The Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Chorus as well as The Atlanta Opera Children's Chorus.

Tomer Zvulun will be the stage director for Tosca. Zvulun has previously directed The Flying Dutchman, The Magic Flute, and Lucia di Lammermoor for Atlanta audiences. The New York Times praised one of his recent operas for its, "witty, fast-paced staging" and "Felliniesque" directing style. As the Opera's general and artistic director, Zvulun is expected to direct up to two Atlanta Opera productions each season.

Amid the bloodshed of revolutionary Rome, the diva Tosca becomes trapped between her allegiance to her rebel lover, Cavaradossi, and the scheming of an evil police chief, Scarpia, who will stop at nothing to have her. Set to Puccini's intensely passionate music, this gripping story is truly cinematic in scope.

Ticketholders may also attend a free pre-opera talk about Tosca, held one hour prior to each performance inside the John A. Williams Theatre at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

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