Photos from 2009 High-Tech Night @ The Opera
Friday, February 20, 2009
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE
10th Annual High-Tech Night @ the Opera Event
Friday, February 20, 2009
SAN DIEGO OPERA
Civic Theatre, 3rd and B Streets, Downtown San Diego
ABOUT THE EVENT:
For the past nine years, San Diego’s High-Tech Community has gathered together for an evening of exceptional networking and world-class opera. High-Tech Night @ the Opera continues to serve as an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the leading executives, investors, and innovators in Southern California.
PRE-OPERA NETWORKING RECEPTION - 6:30 PM
The evening begins with an elegant, private Pre-Opera reception where you’ll savor lavish hors d’oeuvres and wine as you network with your peers. Please note that the event is Black-tie optional, so feel free to get all dressed up!
DON QUIXOTE- 8:00 PM
An Impossible Dream: Can an eccentric, elderly knight win the heart of the woman he adores? Classical Spain, windmills and bandits combine with stirring choruses and poignant arias in an evening of laughter and tears you will long remember.
DESSERT RECEPTION-9:00 PM
The Melting Pot© La Jolla is proud to sponsor a scrumptious dessert reception for the High-Tech crowd during the first Intermission. The menu will feature your choice of chocolate fondue – milk chocolate with caramel and pecans or pure dark chocolate – served over fresh strawberries, pound cake and brownies.
The Melting Pot - Dessert Reception Sponsor
SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGES ARE REQUIRED:
The Prices Outlined Below for High-Tech Night @ the Opera Include:
- Admission to the Pre-Opera Networking Reception
- A Premier Seat for Don Quixote on Friday, February 20, 2009
- Admission to the Dessert Reception, Sponsored by The Melting Pot© La Jolla
To Purchase Tickets*
Packages must be purchased in advance through Bonnie Keller at San Diego Opera
- email: Bonnie.Keller@sdopera.com
- phone: 619-533-7044
Ticket Pricing
| Section |
All Inclusive Prices |
|---|---|
| B3, B4 | $150 |
| B2 | $170 |
| B1, DC3, MZ3 | $195 |
| UL, DC2, MZ2 | $225 |
| DC1, MZ1, LL | $265 |
| Orchestra | $265 |
Not sure where to sit?
This new online feature allows you to see the view from every section of the theatre.
View from a Seat!
*Please note that All sales are final. no refunds or exchanges. cast and repertoire are subject to change. seating subject to availability.
Questions? Bonnie Keller will be happy to address any questions leading up to the event. Please contact her directly at 619.533.7044 or Bonnie.Keller@sdopera.com
Don Quixote
The Story
An Impossible Dream: Can an eccentric, elderly knight capture the heart of the woman he adores? This poignant opera brings to life one of the noblest gentlemen in all literature – Don Quixote. Romantic and idealistic, he sees Dulcinea not as she truly is, but as the ideal of womanhood. With loyal Sancho Panza at his side, this soulful “knight-errant” sets off on a quest – fighting windmills he believes are "giants", escaping bandits, and risking death – to win the love of his idolized Dulcinea.
The Music
Excitingly Spanish, with pulsating rhythms and stirring choruses, the music also has an intimate, tragic side as Don Quixote realizes his dream is ending. His final scene is one of the most touching, sensitive and moving in all opera as he lies delirious, believing he hears Dulcinea’s voice calling from a bright star.
The Look
The magical world of Don Quixote’s classical Spain is brought to life in this exciting new production. It’s all here: the bright colors of a vivid country, the dented armor of a crumpled Don Quixote, huge windmills whirling in the mists, and the tranquility of a starry night out of which both death and hope appear.
Cast Highlights
Charismatic Metropolitan Opera star Ferruccio Furlanetto will captivate you as the delusional Don Quixote. International star Denyce Graves, our ‘Delilah’ from 2007’s Samson and Delilah returns as the enchanting Dulcinea, joined by the Argentinean bass-bartine Eduardo Chama as loyal Sancho Panza. San Diego Opera's own Ian Campbell will direct with San Diego Opera’s Resident Conductor Karen Keltner to make this new production an evening of laughter and tears you will long remember.
The running time is approximately 2 hours, 16 minutes including one 20-minute intermission.
Don Quixote
Act I
A square in front of Dulcinea's house
A festival is being celebrated, as four hopeful admirers of Dulcinea serenade her. She explains philosophically that being adored is not enough. She withdraws as the crowd acclaims the arrival of the eccentric Knight and his squire, Sancho. Don Quixote is riding on his horse Rosinante, and Sancho is on a donkey. Delighted by the attention of the crowd, Quixote tells a reluctant Sancho to throw them money. After the crowd disperses, Quixote himself serenades Dulcinea, but is interrupted by Juan, a jealous admirer of Dulcinea. A sword fight follows, interrupted by Dulcinea herself. She is charmed by Quixote’s antique attentions. The old man offers her his devotion and a castle. She suggests instead that he might retrieve a pearl necklace of hers stolen by Ténébrun, a bandit chief. He undertakes to do so as, to his surprise, Dulcinea rejoins her men friends. Recovering his composure, and convinced she loves him, Quixote stands guard outside her window.
Act II
In the countryside
On a misty morning, Don Quixote and Sancho enter, the Knight composing a love poem. Sancho delivers a grand tirade against their expedition, against Dulcinea and against women in general. As the mists disperse, Quixote sees windmills which he mistakes for giants. To Sancho's horror, Quixote attacks them, crying out the name of Dulcinea.
Act III
In the mountains
Don Quixote and Sancho are searching for the bandits, whom Quixote is convinced are nearby. Sancho goes to sleep while Quixote stands guard. The bandits suddenly appear and after a brief fight take the knight prisoner. Sancho escapes. Surprised by the defiance of the old man, the bandits give him a beating and intend to kill him, however Quixote’s reply moves Ténébrun, the bandit chief, to mercy. Quixote explains his mission and the necklace is returned to him. The bandits ask for the blessing of the noble knight before he leaves.
Act IV
A garden
A party is in progress, but Dulcinea is melancholy. Rousing herself, she snatches a guitar and sings and leaves. Sancho and Don Quixote arrive. While waiting for Dulcinea, Sancho asks for his reward to which Quixote responds with vague promises of an island, a castle and riches. Dulcinea and her party greet the Knight who returns the necklace to universal acclaim. However when he asks Dulcinea to marry him, Quixote is greeted with laughter. Taking pity, Dulcinea tells the others to leave, apologizes and explains that her destiny and her way of life are different from his. She kisses him on the forehead and leaves. When partygoers make fun of the old man, Sancho vigorously reproaches them, and takes his master away.
Act V
A mountain pass.
On a clear starry night, Don Quixote is dying. He remembers having promised Sancho an island as his reward, and offers him an isle of dreams. As he dies, Quixote sees a star shining brightly above, and believes he hears the voice of Dulcinea beckoning to him.
