Winter Opera Saint Louis to Present Charles Gounod's FAUST, 11/8-10

Winter Opera Saint Louis kicks off its seventh season Friday, November 8th (8pm) and Sunday, November 10th (3pm) with Charles Gounod's FAUST, sponsored by Morgan Stanley. Based upon Goethe's tragedy and Michel Carré's play, the story has become iconic: Méphistophélès entices the disillusioned philosopher Faust with the opportunity to have his every desire on earth...in exchange for his soul. Faust's decision threatens to destroy his community, especially his true love, Marguerite. Gounod's score abounds with some of opera's greatest gems, including Valentin's "Avant de quitter ces lieux," Faust's "Salut! demeure chaste et pure," and Marguerite's famous Jewel Song "Ah! Je ris de me voir!"

Artistic Director Gina Galati and Music Director Steven Jarvi are pleased to announce the cast of Faust. Many artists make their Winter Opera debut: Bass Timothy Bruno, who has sung for Toledo Opera, Cincinnati Opera and Opera Saratoga sings the role of Méphistophélès. Artist with Arizona Opera and Indianapolis Opera, Tenor Clay Hilley portrays the title role of Faust. Soprano Julia Ebner, an artist with Santa Fe Opera and Virginia Opera, sings the role of Marguerite. Baritone Eric McKeever, of Opera Naples and St. Petersburg Opera, sings Valentin. Mezzo Soprano Cherry Duke, artist with New York City Opera and St. Petersburg Opera, sings the role of Sièbel. Returning artists include Baritone John-Andrew Fernandez (Schaunard in 2012's La Bohème) as Wagner and Mezzo Soprano Erin Haupt (Pitti-Sing in last season's The Mikado) as Marthe. An ensemble of local professional singers rounds out the cast.

After stage directing and singing the title character for Winter Opera's 2012 production of The Mikado, John Stephens returns to stage this production of Faust. Guest Conductor Michael Mishra, who has directed the Greeley Philharmonic, Silesian State Opera and Kharkov Philharmonic, returns to lead the orchestra. Winter Opera welcomes back designers and crew from last season: Costume Designer Jennifer Krajicek (The Muny and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis), Set Designer Scott Loebl (The Muny, OTSL and The Rep), Lighting Designer Sean Savoie (Washington University, Portland Opera, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company) and Production Manager Theresa Loebl.

Faust will be performed on Friday, November 8th (8pm) and Sunday, November 10th (3pm) at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade located at 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Production sung in French with projectEd English supertitles. Tickets can be purchased by calling Winter Opera Saint Louis at 314-865-0038 or online at http://winteroperastl.tix.com/ For further information on the company, its future performances and special events, visitwinteroperastl.org.

Winter Opera Saint Louis, a non-profit organization, was founded in August of 2007 with the goal of staging its first production in February 2008. In order to better exemplify its mission, the company's name changed to Winter Opera St. Louis in January 2010. The company's mission is to provide the people of St. Louis an evening of opera during the winter months. Furthermore, the company will highlight local artists and invest in the local artist community by providing an opportunity to perform with world-class talent. Winter Opera Saint Louis is committed to enhancing public appreciation of opera in St. Louis through public participation, community outreach programs, and artists' workshops. http://winteroperastl.org/

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