Media Release

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Cincinnati Opera Kicks Off Its 2023 Summer Festival with Opera in the Park, a Free Community Concert in OTR’s Washington Park, on Sunday, June 11

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The musical celebration features opera and musical theater favorites performed by stars from Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 season, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute.

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Opera in the Park. Photo by Philip Groshong.

Cincinnati, Ohio—Cincinnati Opera celebrates the kickoff of its 2023 Summer Festival this weekend with a free community concert in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. 

On Sunday, June 11, at 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park, a free concert in Washington Park featuring a selection of opera and musical theater favorites performed by star singers from Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. Guests who arrive early can also enjoy a free preview performance by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, beginning at 6 p.m.

Admission to Opera in the Park is free and open to the public. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for more information. 

CALENDAR INFORMATION

What:
Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park 

When:

Sunday, June 11, 2023 

  • 6 p.m.: Preview concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute 

  • 7:30 p.m.: Opera in the Park  

Where:
Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 

Description:
Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park, a free concert of opera and musical theater favorites in Washington Park 

Featured singers include cast members from the company’s upcoming productions of Lucia di Lammermoor (June 22, 24), The Knock (June 23, 27; July 2, 5, 7), and The Barber of Seville (July 6, 8): sopranos Raven McMillon, Felicity Tomkins, and Saane Halaholo, mezzo-sopranos Kayleigh Decker and Briana Elyse Hunter, tenors Santiago Ballerini, Terrence Chin-Loy, and Sahel Salam, baritones Anthony Clark Evans, Thomas Dreeze, and Armando Contreras, and bass Griffen Hogan Tracy. 

Also featured are the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra led by conductors Stephen Mulligan and Kevin Miller, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, will emcee.

Just before Opera in the Park, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute will perform in Washington Park beginning at 6 p.m. Top high school brass players from around the region, conducted by Daniel Wylie, will join professionals from around the country, conducted by Professor Jaime Morales, to present arrangements of Cincinnati Opera-inspired music, from Wagner to Gershwin.

Attendees are invited to bring friends, families, and dogs--plus blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics–to enjoy this evening of opera under the stars. Concessions and food trucks will be available in and around Washington Park throughout the evening.

Admission:
Free. Guests are encouraged to register in advance for weather alerts and event updates. All registered attendees will also be entered in a drawing for a pair of tickets to a Cincinnati Opera 2023 Summer Festival performance. To register, visit cincinnatiopera.org/opera-park-2023.

For information:
cincinnatiopera.org

Looking ahead:

Cincinnati Opera 2023 Summer Festival

Lucia di Lammermoor
By Gaetano Donizetti
June 22 and 24 at Music Hall

The Knock
By Aleksandra Vrebalov and Deborah Brevoort
June 23 and 27 and July 2, 5, and 7 at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio

The Barber of Seville
By Gioachino Rossini
July 6 and 8 at Music Hall

Studio Sessions
July 12 and 19 at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio

Madame Butterfly
By Giacomo Puccini
July 22, 27, and 29 at Music Hall

Visit cincinnatiopera.org for complete details.

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists. 

Opera in the Park is a part of the DBL Law OTR Performs series in Washington Park. Opera in the Park is sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group. 

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from Chavez Properties, the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. 2023 Media Partner is Classical 90.9 WGUC. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

Media Contact:
Katie Syroney / 513-768-5526 / ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org
High-resolution images are available by request.

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Cincinnati Opera Presents Free Film Screening of Family-Friendly Opera FIERCE at Blue Ash’s Summit Park on June 2

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The cast of Cincinnati Opera’s Fierce: Megan Graves as Rumer, Alicia Russell Tagert as Morgan, Victoria Ellington as Nyomi, and Lauren McAllister as Vesta. Photo by Philip Groshong.

Cincinnati, Ohio—Cue the popcorn! This summer, Cincinnati Opera is thrilled to bring opera to the big screen at Blue Ash’s Summit Park.

On Friday, June 2, Cincinnati Opera will present a free film screening of its family-friendly opera, Fierce, at Summit Park in Blue Ash, Ohio. The opera, which follows the trials and triumphs of four teenage girls, received its world premiere in 2022 to enthusiastic critical and audience acclaim. Cincinnati Opera captured the production on video to share with families and young people at public screenings throughout the region.

The June 2 event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. when artists from Cincinnati Opera’s Share the Love Truck Tour will present a live performance at Summit Park’s multicolored glass Canopy. At sunset (approximately 9 p.m.), the screening of Fierce will begin on the Great Lawn. Then, after the credits roll, guests will be treated to a dazzling drone show with Flightline by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics behind Summit Park’s Observation Tower. Throughout the evening, wine, beer, and seltzer from Higher Gravity bar and bottle shop will be available for purchase.

Admission is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. For information, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

What:
Cincinnati Opera presents film screening of Fierce

Description:
Opera goes to the movies at Blue Ash’s Summit Park with this free film screening of Cincinnati Opera’s original opera Fierce. This family-friendly opera follows four teenage girls through their trials and triumphs, offering an inspiring message about the importance of individuality and the value of friendship. Composer William Menefield’s vibrant score spans a variety of genres including jazz, classical, Latin, and hip-hop, with a libretto by local author Sheila Williams drawn from interviews with Cincinnati teens. The evening also includes a live performance by Cincinnati Opera artists and a dazzling drone show with Flightline by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics.

Fierce is appropriate for audiences of all ages. The film’s run time is approximately 85 minutes.

Event Schedule:
Friday, June 2, 2023

  • 7:30 p.m.: Live performance by Cincinnati Opera’s Share the Love Truck Tour

  • Sunset (approximately 9 p.m.): Film screening of Cincinnati Opera’s Fierce

  • After the screening: Drone show with Flightline by Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics

Where:
Summit Park, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Admission:
This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required, though registration is encouraged to receive event updates and weather alerts. Registrants will also be entered to win a pair of tickets to a Cincinnati Opera 2023 Summer Festival performance. To register, visit cincinnatiopera.org/fierce-at-summit. Complimentary parking is available on-site.

For information:
cincinnatiopera.org/fierce-at-summit

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Fierce at Summit Park is sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from Chavez Properties, the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

Media Contact:
Katie Syroney / 513-768-5526 / ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org
High-resolution images are available by request.

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Cincinnati Opera Hosts Open Casting Call for Supernumerary Roles for 2023 Summer Festival

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The company seeks to fill 19 non-singing roles. No stage experience is necessary!

Download Press Release (PDF)

Cincinnati Opera seeks “supers”—similar to extras in film and television—to participate in its 2023 Summer Festival productions. Photo of Lucia di Lammermoor by Karli Cadel.

Cincinnati, OH—For anyone who’s dreamed of appearing on the Cincinnati Music Hall stage, Cincinnati Opera is ready to give you your moment in the spotlight. No singing or acting skills are required!

Cincinnati Opera will hold an open casting call for supernumerary roles for the company’s 2023 Summer Festival. An information and casting session is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 1–3 p.m. in the May Festival Rehearsal Room at Music Hall (1244 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202). Participants should enter through the May Festival Rehearsal Room entrance at the corner of 14th Street and Central Parkway.

Supernumerary—or “super”—roles are non-singing, non-speaking roles, much like extras in film and television. Supers will share the stage with internationally renowned artists and work with celebrated directors and conductors. No experience is necessary and all super positions are filled on a voluntary basis. Individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Cincinnati Opera seeks applicants for the following roles:

Lucia di Lammermoor
Commitment period: May 30–June 24, 2023
Performances: June 22 and 24, 2023
Supers needed: 6 male-presenting liveried servants

The Barber of Seville
Commitment period: June 14–July 8, 2023
Performances: July 6 and 8, 2023
Supers needed:

  • 1 older male-presenting servant

  • 1 male-presenting notary

  • 1 male-presenting young lover

  • 1 male-presenting nephew

  • 1 older female-presenting aunt

  • 1 female-presenting young lover

  • 2 female-presenting floozies

Madame Butterfly
Commitment period: June 28–July 29, 2023
Performances: July 22, 27, and 29, 2023
Supers needed:

  • 2 male-presenting Asian servants

  • 2 male-presenting non-Asian sailors

  • 1 male-presenting Asian or Hapa child, age 5–8

Cincinnati Opera’s productions of Lucia di Lammermoor, The Barber of Seville, and Madame Butterfly will be presented in Springer Auditorium at Music Hall. Supers are required to attend approximately 10–15 rehearsals. Daytime rehearsals may be scheduled.

Attending the casting call does not obligate a person to participate. Interested individuals may attend the casting call simply to learn more about supernumerary opportunities. For more information, please visit cincinnatiopera.org or email supers@cincinnatiopera.org.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

What:
Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Supernumerary Open Casting Call and Information Session

When:
Saturday, May 6, 2023, 1-3 p.m.

Where:
May Festival Rehearsal Room, Music Hall, 1244 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Enter through the May Festival Rehearsal Room entrance at the corner of 14th Street and Central Parkway.

For information:
supers@cincinnatiopera.org

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Season Presenting Sponsor for Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival is Chavez Properties. Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Lead Sponsors for Madame Butterfly are Sheila and Christopher Cole. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

Media Contact:
Katie Syroney / 513-768-5526 / ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org
High-resolution images are available by request.

Cincinnati Opera and CCM to Workshop Two Operas-in-Progress This Spring Through Opera Fusion: New Works Partnership

The two new operas—Robeson by Scott Davenport Richards and David Cote and The Righteous by Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith—will receive workshops this April and May, and the public is invited to attend a sneak peek.

Download Press Release (PDF)

pink and red box with OF:NW text in white

Cincinnati, Ohio—Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are pleased to announce the next events in their joint program, Opera Fusion: New Works.

Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is a creative partnership between CCM and Cincinnati Opera that fosters the development of new operatic works. Through OF:NW, composers and librettists are given a 10-day workshop to hone their operas-in-progress and further prepare them for the opera stage. Each workshop ends with a public performance of excerpts from the featured work.

This April 4–13, OF:NW will mount a second workshop for the new opera, Robeson, featuring music by Scott Davenport Richards and a libretto by Richards and David Cote, with CCM Professor and Co-Director of Opera Fusion: New Works Robin Guarino as dramaturg and stage director. The work received an initial workshop last May through OF:NW.

Robeson Creative Team

From the creative team behind Cincinnati Opera’s critically acclaimed 2019 world premiere, Blind Injustice, Robeson is an epic and inspiring biographical examination of Black singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson (1898–1976). A global superstar, Robeson leveraged his fame to fight on the frontlines for equality. His heroic and uncompromising efforts against fascism and racism worldwide led Robeson to be entangled in the tragic power struggle between the two superpowers of the twentieth century—the United States and the USSR—with his own life and career hanging in the balance. Inspired by historical events, Robeson also resonates with today’s ongoing fights for social justice. The public performance of excerpts from Robeson will take place on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio.

From May 5–15, OF:NW will host a workshop for The Righteous, the newest opera from composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K. Smith, the creative team behind Cincinnati Opera’s celebrated 2022 world premiere, Castor and Patience. Kevin Newbury (Castor and Patience, Fellow Travelers) will serve as stage director and dramaturg.

The Righteous Creative Team

Commissioned by Santa Fe Opera and slated for a summer 2024 world premiere, The Righteous follows a preacher and leader of a growing church in the 1980s American Southwest, who finds himself caught up in the confluence of religion and politics. Slowly his connection to God is weakened as he becomes drawn to public office alongside contemporary events including the rise of feminism, the war on drugs, conflict in the Middle East, and the AIDS epidemic. Along the way, those closest to him grapple with their own understanding of faith and truth. The Righteous explores the timeless struggle to reconcile spiritual humility with ambition in our modern world. The public performance of excerpts from The Righteous will take place on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at CCM’s Cohen Family Studio Theater.

Admission to the public performances is free, and reservations are required. Reservations are available through the Cincinnati Opera Box Office by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

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Opera Fusion: New Works presents
Robeson

Music by Scott Davenport Richards
Libretto by David Cote and Scott Davenport Richards
Dramaturgy and stage direction by Robin Guarino

When: Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m.
What: A performance of excerpts from the new opera-in-progress, Robeson.
Where: Music Hall’s Wilks Studio, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Admission: Free; reservations are required. Reservations are available by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

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Opera Fusion: New Works presents
The Righteous

Music by Gregory Spears
Libretto by Tracy K. Smith
Dramaturgy and stage direction by Kevin Newbury

When: Monday, May 15, 7:30 p.m.
What: A performance of excerpts from the new opera-in-progress, The Righteous.
Where: Cohen Family Studio Theater, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, 290 CCM Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH 45221
Admission: Free; reservations are required. Reservations are available by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

About Opera Fusion: New Works
Funded through a generous gift from the Mellon Foundation, Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is a partnership between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) dedicated to fostering the development of new American operas. This collaboration is jointly led by Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, and Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM. OF:NW offers composers or composer/librettist teams the opportunity to workshop an opera during a residency in Cincinnati. Residencies utilize the facilities, personnel, and talent of both Cincinnati Opera and CCM. The workshops are cast with a combination of CCM students and professional artists, and each workshop concludes with a free public presentation of excerpts followed by an audience Q&A session, all of which is streamed online. For more information, visit ofnw.org.


About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Season Presenting Sponsor for Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival is Chavez Properties. Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org.


About CCM
Nationally ranked and internationally renowned, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a preeminent institution for the performing and media arts. The school’s educational roots date back to 1867, and a solid, visionary instruction has been at its core since that time. CCM offers nine degree types (BA, BM, BFA, MFA, MM, MA, AD, DMA, PhD) in nearly 120 possible majors, along with a wide variety of pre-collegiate and post-graduate programs.

Declared a top college vocal program by Backstage Magazine and described as “one of the continent’s major music schools,” by the Toronto Star, CCM’s Departments of Opera and Voice provide one of the most comprehensive training programs for opera singers, coaches and directors in the United States. CCM offers an international faculty of dedicated educators who are also celebrated professionals in their own right, widely and currently active in their respective fields. Several national opera companies hold auditions at the conservatory, and CCM students frequently advance to the final rounds of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. CCM graduates have performed on the stages of the world’s greatest opera companies, including Cincinnati Opera, the Metropolitan Opera (New York), Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera (London), La Scala (Italy) and more. To learn more, visit ccm.uc.edu.

Contact:
Katie Syroney / 513-768-5526 / ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org
High-resolution images are available by request.

Calendar Update: Cincinnati Opera 2023 Summer Festival

Cincinnati, Ohio—Cincinnati Opera announces updated schedule and cast information for the company’s 2023 Summer Festival, taking place June 11–July 29, 2023.

As previously announced, the company will present four opera productions at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall, including Gaetano Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor (June 22 and 24), the world stage premiere of Aleksandra Vrebalov and Deborah Brevoort’s The Knock (June 23 and 27; July 2, 5, and 7), Gioachino Rossini’s The Barber of Seville (July 6 and 8), and a new production of Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly (July 22, 27, and 29). The season will kick off with Opera in the Park (June 11), a free, outdoor concert of opera favorites in Cincinnati’s Washington Park, and the company will also launch a new event series, Studio Sessions (July 12 and 19), featuring intimate cabaret performances by opera artists at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio.

All performance times are ET, and details are subject to change. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for more information.

CINCINNATI OPERA
2023 Summer Festival
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Lucia di Lammermoor
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano

When:
Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Springer Auditorium, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Short Description:
In this operatic thriller set in the Scottish Highlands, a couple’s secret love affair is thwarted by an age-old family feud, leading to deadly consequences.

Long Description:
Based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor, itself inspired by true events, this operatic thriller set in the Scottish Highlands shows how thwarted desire can lead to deadly extremes. At Lammermoor Castle, Lucia and Edgardo are engaged in a secret affair. Despite their families’ age-old feud, they vow to give everything up for love. But Lucia’s disapproving brother endeavors to undo the lovers’ promise and marry Lucia off in a more lucrative union. The deception becomes a curse, and once hope for love is lost, Lucia and Edgardo make terrible new vows, culminating in one of opera’s bloodiest finales.

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus
Production from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Sung in Italian with projected translations

Cast:
Lucia … Raven McMillon
Edgardo … Santiago Ballerini
Enrico …. Anthony Clark Evans
Raimondo … Griffen Hogan Tracy
Normanno … Terrence Chin-Loy
Arturo … Sahel Salam
Alisa … Kayleigh Decker

Creative Team:
Conductor … Renato Balsadonna
Stage Director … Jose Maria Condemi
Scenic and Costume Designer … Philip Witcomb
Lighting Designer … Thomas C. Hase
Wig and Makeup Designer … James Geier
Chorus Master … Henri Venanzi

Tickets:
Subscriptions start at $106 and are available now. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 10, 2023. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

Before the Performance:
Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera's Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, hosts Opera Insights, an informative pre-curtain discussion on Lucia di Lammermoor, one hour before the performance in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Opera Insights are free to all ticket holders; no reservations are required.

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World Stage Premiere

The Knock

Music by Aleksandra Vrebalov
Libretto by Deborah Brevoort

When:
Friday, June 23, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 7, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Wilks Studio, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Short Description:
Named for the expression military spouses use for notifications of death, The Knock is a moving new opera that sensitively explores what must be endured by the loved ones of those who serve.

Long Description:
“An evocative and beautifully woven piece” (Opera News), The Knock tells the story of a group of military wives awaiting news of their husbands who have been deployed to Iraq. As they wait, a young Army officer makes the long journey to their gathering place. Named for the expression used by military spouses for a death notification, The Knock is based on years of interviews with spouses of soldiers, resulting in a rare and sympathetic glimpse into the lives of America’s military families. According to Opera News, “… The Knock manages to be many things at once, reverential and damning, internal and operatic, all while concisely portraying the complicated existence of those left behind.”

A co-commission with The Glimmerglass Festival
New production created by Cincinnati Opera
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Sung in English with projected titles

Cast:
Lt. Roberto Gonzalez … Armando Contreras
Joella “Jo” Jenner … Mary-Hollis Hundley
Aishah McNair … Briana Elyse Hunter
Alto/Commanding Officer’s Wife … Stephanie Sanchez
Soprano 1 … Felicity Tomkins
Soprano 2 … Erin Keesy

Creative Team:
Conductor … Stephanie Rhodes Russell
Stage Director … Alison Moritz
Scenic Designer … James Rotondo
Costume Designer … Trevor Bowen
Lighting Designer … Thomas C. Hase
Wig and Makeup Designer …. James Geier

Tickets:
Subscriptions start at $106 and are available now. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 10, 2023. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

Before the Performance:
Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, hosts Opera Insights, an informative pre-curtain discussion on The Knock, one hour before the performance in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Opera Insights are free to all ticket holders; no reservations are required.

After the Performance:
Evans Mirageas will host a conversation with The Knock artists after each performance in Music Hall's Wilks Studio. Attendance is free to all ticket holders; no reservations are required.

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The Barber of Seville

Music by Gioachino Rossini
Libretto by Cesare Sterbini

When:
Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Springer Auditorium, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Short Description:
Supreme silliness ensues when Figaro, Seville’s most beloved barber, plays matchmaker for a lovelorn nobleman and a clever young heiress.

Long Description:
Supreme silliness ensues when Figaro, Seville’s most beloved barber, plays matchmaker for his former employer, Count Almaviva. The Count loves Rosina, but she’s the ward of the devious Doctor Bartolo, who has designs on wedding her himself. To win Rosina’s heart, the Count enlists Figaro to cook up disguises, double dealings, and deceits to fool old Bartolo and set Rosina free. Rossini’s sparkling comedy reminds us that sometimes, on the path to true love, the last thing you should be is yourself.

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus
Scenery from Minnesota Opera
Costumes from Washington National Opera
Sung in Italian with projected translations

Cast:
Figaro … Rodion Pogossov
Rosina … Emily Fons
Count Almaviva … Alasdair Kent
Doctor Bartolo … Peixin Chen
Don Basilio … Nicholas Newton
Berta … Kendra Beasley
Fiorello … Thomas Dreeze
Officer … Samuel Smith

Creative Team:
Conductor … Christopher Allen
Stage Director … Christopher Mattaliano
Scenic Designer … Allen Moyer
Costume Designer … James Scott
Lighting Designer … Thomas C. Hase
Wig and Makeup Designer … James Geier
Chorus Master … Henri Venanzi

Tickets:
Subscriptions start at $106 and are available now. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 10, 2023. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

Before the Performance:
Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, hosts Opera Insights, an informative pre-curtain discussion on The Barber of Seville, one hour before the performance in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Opera Insights are free to all ticket holders; no reservations are required.

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New Production

Madame Butterfly

Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

When:
Saturday, July 22, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Springer Auditorium, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Short Description:
Puccini’s heartrending opera about a young Japanese girl and her tragic love affair with an American serviceman has been reimagined from a groundbreaking new point of view by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team.

Long Description:
Cincinnati Opera presents Puccini’s heartrending tragedy Madame Butterfly from a groundbreaking new point of view. As envisioned by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team, our new production reframes Puccini’s opera from a wholly inventive perspective, transporting Butterfly’s story to a modern-day realm where fantasy and reality intersect. Enter the world of naval officer B.F. Pinkerton, who treats Japan as his playground. He’s taken a nearly thousand-year lease on a house there and will marry a young girl named Cio-Cio-San, known as Madame Butterfly. But is it merely a fantasy? For Butterfly, vows are not to be taken lightly, and as Pinkerton’s intentions are revealed, her dreams become a tragedy of limitless depths with no going back.

A co-production of Cincinnati Opera, Detroit Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, San Diego Opera, and Utah Opera
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus
Sung in Italian with projected translations

Cast:
Cio-Cio-San … Karah Son
B.F. Pinkerton … Adam Smith
Suzuki … Nozomi Kato
Sharpless … Nmon Ford
Goro … Julius Ahn
Prince Yamadori … Jacob Zhou
The Bonze … Peixin Chen
Imperial Commissioner … Randell McGee
Kate Pinkerton … Kayleigh Decker

Creative Team:
Conductor … Keitaro Harada
Stage Director … Matthew Ozawa
Scenic Designer … Kimie Nishikawa of dots
Costume Designer … Maiko Matsushima
Lighting Designer … Yuki Nakase-Link
Wig Master … James Geier
Chorus Master … Henri Venanzi

Tickets:
Subscriptions start at $106 and are available now. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 10, 2023. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

Before the Performance:
Evans Mirageas, Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, hosts Opera Insights, an informative pre-curtain discussion on Madame Butterfly, one hour before the performance in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Opera Insights are free to all ticket holders; no reservations are required.

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

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Opera in the Park

When:
Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Washington Park
1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Short Description:
Cincinnati Opera presents a free, family-friendly evening of opera and musical theater favorites in Washington Park, featuring stars from the company’s 2023 Summer Festival, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Long Description:
Celebrate the opening of Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival with a magical evening of music in Washington Park. This free outdoor concert in OTR features a selection of unforgettable opera and musical theater favorites performed by stars of the 2023 season, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and the whole family, and enjoy an evening of opera under the setting sun.

Free; no tickets required. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for more information.

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Studio Sessions

When:
Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 8 p.m. (featuring mezzo-soprano Emily Fons)
Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 8 p.m. (featuring baritone Nmon Ford)

Where:
Wilks Studio, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Short Description:
Cincinnati Opera artists take to the cabaret stage in these intimate, candlelit performances at Music Hall's Wilks Studio.

Long Description:
Cincinnati Opera artists take to the cabaret stage in these intimate, candlelit performances at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio. Each performance spans a variety of musical genres and features artists from Cincinnati Opera's 2023 Summer Festival: mezzo-soprano Emily Fons (July 12), who also sings Rosina in The Barber of Seville, and baritone Nmon Ford (July 19), who appears as Sharpless in Madame Butterfly.

Tickets:
$45 general admission; $60 reserved seating. Cincinnati Opera subscribers will be invited to a pre-sale; remaining tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, April 10 at 12 noon. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Season Presenting Sponsor is Chavez Properties. Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Support for The Knock is provided by the Mellon Foundation. The Knock is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; to find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. Lead Sponsors for Madame Butterfly are Sheila and Christopher Cole. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America.

To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

Media contact:
Katie Syroney / ksyroney@cincinnatiopera.org / 513-768-5526
High-resolution images available by request.

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