Only in Chicago Once Before: Handel's 'Orlando' by COT

 
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) closes their 2008 Spring Season with the Handel masterpiece Orlando—presented only once in Chicago over 20 years ago (Lyric Opera of Chicago's 1986-87 season). Brian Dickie continues his custom to create unique and powerful pairings with legendary early music expert Raymond Leppard and the up-and-coming director Justin Way. Orlando opens May 28 and runs for 5 performances only through June 8.
 
The action takes place in a 1940s "film noir" setting that includes the usual femme fatales, mysterious investigators, and morally questionable heroes.
 
"Raymond was one of the pioneers in bringing baroque music to the mainstream, so we are honored to have him conduct Orlando," said General Director Brian Dickie. "When Justin Way directed Abduction from the Seraglio for COT a few years ago, I knew his bubbling inventiveness would be a perfect fit with Raymond's energy and vast knowledge."

Orlando marks Raymond Leppard's fourth opera for Chicago Opera Theater—in 2004 he conducted Viaggio a Reims and in 2006 the double bill of The Padlock and Dido and Aeneas. In five decades on the podium he has conducted nearly all of the world's leading orchestras, made over 150 recordings, written two books, created legendary realizations of Cavalli and Monteverdi and composed several film scores.

Justin Way made his Chicago Opera Theater premiere in 2006 staging the critically lauded production of Abduction from the Seraglio. To date, this young director has staged 26 operas and has worked with the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the English Touring Opera, Opera Australia, Central City Opera, Pinchgut Opera, and Washington National Opera. Recently, Way directed the acclaimed Alcina in his hometown of Sydney for Opera Australia.
 
Also returning to Chicago Opera Theater after Abduction from the Seraglio are designers Andrew Hays and Kimm Kovac. Hays and Kovac teamed with Way again for the Opera Australia production of Alcina.

Lighting designer Aaron Black, who will have designed all 3 operas for COT's 2008 Spring Season, has designed for Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Bilbao, and Opera Pittsburgh.
 
The cast stars Tim Mead as Orlando who received international recognition singing the title role in Giulio Cesare for Glyndebourne Festival Opera. He recently sang in the world premiere of Harrison Birtwistle's The Minotaur at the Royal Opera House.
 
Andriana Chuchman sings Dorinda and is currently a second-year member of the Patrick G. & Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She made her Lyric Opera debut in this past season's Die Frau ohne Schatten. Singing the role of Angelica is Kate Mangiameli who won great acclamation as the Sorceress in Chicago Opera Theater's 2006 production of Dido and Aeneas. In recent seasons she has performed with Florida Grand Opera and with the Ash Lawn Opera Festival. In the role of Zoroastro is Oliver Neal Medina returning to Chicago Opera Theater after his hilarious turn as Snug in Britten's Midsummer Night's Dream (2005). Medina was a second year apprentice with the Santa Fe Opera this past summer. David Trudgen sings Medoro and recently appeared at the Kennedy Center where he sang for the Kennedy Center Conservatory Project.  He was named the Earl V. Moore Award recipient for 2006.
 
Chicago Opera Theater presents Orlando for five performances on May 28, 31, June 3, 6 and 8, 2008.
 

Chicago Opera Theater performs at The Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park–205 East Randolph Drive.
 
Individual tickets are now on sale and range from $35-$120 (prices subject to change).  COT also offers a 50% discounted student rate in most sections. Tickets may be purchased online at ChicagoOperaTheater.org and by phone at 312.704.8414. Tickets may also be purchased at the HarrisTheaterChicago.org or by phone at 312.334.7777.