Seattle Opera's production of Verdi's TROVATORE Opens 1/16/2010

Seattle Opera will open its production of Verdi's hot-blooded melodrama Il Trovatore on January 16, 2010. The production will run for eight performances through January 30.

Verdi's Trovatore is an intense masterpiece with inspired music and dramatic depths. This passionate tale of the dark secret of a gypsy mother features everything from swordplay and late-night abductions to gypsy curses and a host of familiar tunes that soar to the rafters. Maestro Yves Abel will conduct the production staged by José María Condemi. Sets were designed by Allen Moyer, with costumes by John Conklin and lighting by Thomas Hase.

The Opening Night cast features Italian tenor Antonello Palombi as Manrico, the troubadour, and soprano Lisa Daltirus as the lady-in-waiting Leonora. This dramatic pair was last seen at McCaw Hall in 2008 as the lovers in Verdi's Aida. Polish mezzo-soprano Malgorzata Walewska, who made her company debut last season as Judith in Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle, performs as the gypsy Azucena. Baritone Gordon Hawkins performs as Count di Luna.

In the Sunday/Friday cast, tenor Arnold Rawls makes his company debut as Manrico, alongside soprano Mary ElizaBeth Williams, a former Seattle Opera Young Artist, who makes her mainstage company debut as Leonora. Mezzo-soprano Mary Phillips sings Azucena, and baritone Todd Thomas sings Count di Luna. Rounding out both casts are bass Arthur Woodley as Ferrando, tenor Leodigario del Rosario as Ruiz, and soprano Vira Slywotzky-a current Young Artist making her company mainstage debut-as Inez.

Il Trovatore runs from January 16 through January 30. Single tickets start at $25 and are available online at seattleopera.org, by calling 206.389.7676 or 800.426.1619, or by mobile phone at mobile.seattleopera.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Box Office by visiting 1020 John Street (two blocks west of Fairview), Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.