Lyric Opera of Kansas City Presents NORMA 11/6-11/14

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City continues its 53rd season after a record-breaking run of Carmen with the Company debut of Norma. Norma is the quintessential bel canto opera showcasing brilliant vocal singing and is the first Bellini opera ever produced by the Company. The production features a renowned cast of singers and The Kansas City Symphony conducted by Lyric Opera Artistic Director Ward Holmquist. Norma opens on Novembers 6, 2010 in celebration of National Opera Week October 29 - November 7, 2010. This will be the Company's final season in the Lyric Theatre. Beginning in the fall of 2011, the Lyric Opera will perform at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Bellini's gorgeous bel canto score marries brilliantly with a gripping story about a powerful woman forced to betray her sacred vows for love - only to be betrayed by her lover's infidelity. In the ensuing struggle to save her name, her children, and her lover, Norma finds truth in the ultimate sacrifice.

The cast features Liuz-Ottavio Faria, Rafael Davila, Brenda Harris, Laura Vlasak Nolen, Adam Wade Duncan, and Kristee Haney.

Director Kristine McIntyre returns to the Lyric Opera after directing the world premiere production of Kirke Mechem's John Brown with the Company in 2008 and Jake Heggie's acclaimed The End of the Affair in 2007. Ms. McIntyre has directed at The Metropolitan Opera, San Fransisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Opera Boston.

Performances are Saturday 11/6 at 8 p.m., Wednesday 11/10 at 7:30 p.m., Friday 11/12 at 8 p.m., and Sunday 11/14 at 2 p.m.

Ticket availability varies by performance. Limited student rush tickets are available for $10, cash only, one hour before curtain, with a valid student ID. Single tickets are on sale now. 3-pack subscriptions are still available and prices range from $108 to $216. 3-pack ticket holders for the 2010-2011 season receive a 20% discount and will also receive priority seating when the Lyric Opera moves to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in the fall of 2011. To purchase tickets, visit www.kcopera.org, or call Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 or 1-800-OPERAKC (673-7252).

About Norma

Norma was composed by Vincenzo Bellini with the libretto by Felice Romani. The opera is about a Druid priestess, Norma, who has secretly mothered two children with an enemy officer, Pollione. He now longs for Adalgisa, a younger friend of Norma's. Norma's rage turns to self-incrimination when she commits the ultimate sacrifice to save her children.

Norma will be sung in Italian with English subtitles projected above the stage at the Lyric Theatre, 11th and Central, Downtown Kansas City.

Special Events

On Monday, October 18, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., Guild speaker Bob Wise will present an introduction to this fascinating genre of early 19th century Italian opera of which Norma is such a sterling example. The presentation will be filled with audio and video recordings of some great singing, including "mad scenes."

On Monday, October 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., Guild speaker Morton Creditor will be at the podium discussing the eccentric genius who composed Norma.

On Monday, November 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., Guild speaker Richard Byrum will present a full-length preview of Norma.

The Bohemiams: Young Friends of the Lyric Opera

The Bohemians is the Lyric Opera organization for young professionals (age 21-40). The Bohemians offer great opportunities to get involved in the community, meet other young adults and learn a little something about opera, too! Bohemians enjoy discounted tickets, monthly Third Friday Happy Hour gatherings at local hot spots and special invitations to exclusive events. In addition to attending the Saturday night performance of Norma on November 6, 2010 at 8 p.m., the Bohemians gather for dinner prior to the Saturday night performance of each opera at the restaurant partners of the Lyric Opera where members receive discounted meals. To learn more, email bohemians@kcopera.org.

 

About Lyric Opera of Kansas City

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City was founded in 1958; it is one of the nations' premier regional opera companies and brings high quality live operatic performances to the people of the Kansas City area and a five-state region. Repertoire choices encompass original language performances of standard repertory as well as contemporary and American operas. The Company seeks to mount productions that enrich the community it serves, as well as reflect the highest artistic standards of the profession. The Lyric Opera offers innovative and award-winning programs designed to further music and arts education both in schools and in the community and serves over 18,000 students and educators each year.

In fall 2011, the Lyric Opera will move its performances to a new home: the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The state-of-the-art theatre, with acoustics designed by the creative minds behind the innovative Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, promises to be one of the greatest performance venues in the world.

The Company is renovating a property at 18th and Charlotte Streets in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District. The facility will become a state of the art production and rehearsal facility and will serve as the Company's new home. In addition to housing the administrative offices, the facility will feature a full wig, costume and scenic construction shop, set storage space, as well as rehearsal space that exactly mimics the proportions of the stage of the Kauffman Center.

Opera lovers can be fans of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City on Facebook or follow us @kcopera on Twitter.

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City is a member of OPERA America, and this production is made possible with funding from Bank of America, Frontier Airlines, The National Endowment for the Arts, Missouri Arts Council and the Arts KC Fund.

 

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