PRESS KITS

On this page you will find links to pages, which contain copyrighted electronic press kits (EPK) that have been approved for promotional use by and for San Diego Opera only. Select the link for the opera from which you need to access press information from below. Links will include press releases, production information, cast bios and artwork. Additionally, on each of these pages you will find multimedia materials that can be used to enhance articles or reviews on your respective website. Please credit San Diego Opera when using these materials. Content is updated regularly.

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2011 International Season

Overview

 

Documents

2011 Season Release 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

 

Photos

Turandot – San Diego Opera presents Puccini’s Turandot. January/February, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard

Turandot – San Diego Opera presents Puccini’s Turandot. January/February, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard

Turandot – San Diego Opera presents Puccini’s Turandot. January/February, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard

Der Rosenkavalier – San Diego Opera presents Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. April, 2011 Photo © Pablo Mason

Faust – San Diego Opera presents Gounod’s Faust. April/May, 2011. Photo © Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

Faust – San Diego Opera presents Gounod’s Faust. April/May, 2011. Photo © Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

Carmen – San Diego Opera presents Bizet’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver

Lindsrom,Lise – American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot in Puccini’s Turandot. January/February, 2011.

Ventre, Carlo – Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calaf in Puccini’s Turandot. January/February, 2011.

Jaho, Ermonela – Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho is Liù in Puccini’s Turandot. January/February, 2011.

Harteros, Anja – German soprano Anja Harteros is The Marschallin in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. April, 2011

Greenan, Andrew – British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. April, 2011

Vondung, Anke – German mezzo soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. April, 2011

Ciofi, Patrizia – Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. April, 2011

Ketelsen, Hans Joachim – German baritone Hans-Joachim Ketelsen is Herr Von Faninal in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. April, 2011

Costello, Stephen – American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust in Gounod’s Faust. April/May, 2011.

Pérez, Ailyn – American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguérite in Gounod’s Faust. April/May, 2011.

Grimsley, Greer – American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust. April/May, 2011.

Surgurladze, Nino – Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surgurladze is Carmen in Bizet’s Carmen. May, 2011.

Licitra, Salvatore – Italian tenor Salvatore Licitra is Don Joséin Bizet’s Carmen. May, 2011.

Trevigne, Talise – American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen. May, 2011.

Tigges, Wayne – American baritone Wayne Tigges is Escamillo in Bizet’s Carmen. May, 2011.

 

Turandot

 

Documents

General Press Release 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

Turandot 2011 Backstage Info 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

 

News

'Turandot' star almost gave up before assuming her signature role  
—North County Times

Soprano Lise Lindstrom has succeeded by taking charge of her own career  
—The San Diego Union-Tribune

Opera Gets The David Hockney Treatment.  
—KPBS

 

Podcasts

An Interview with Liu: Soprano, Ermonela Jaho

Listen In
01/21/2011
Listen in to a revealing interview with soprano Ermonela Jaho who will be singing the role of Liu in Turandot. The Albanian singer made her debut with San Diego Opera in Donizetti's Maria Stuarda, standing in for an ailing colleague on opening night. Now she's back, singing the entire run of course, and delighted to be in San Diego!

An Interview with Lise Lindstrom, our Turandot

Listen In
01/20/2011
Dr. Nic spends some time with the wonderful and lovely young soprano Lise Lindstrom who will make her San Diego Opera debut in the challenging role of Turandot. The conversation traverses her recent triumph in the role at the Metropolitan opera as a last-minute replacement and a discussion of the vocal challenges in the aria "In questa reggia". Listen in!

Tenor Carlo Ventre: An Interview about Calaf

Listen In
01/17/2011
And so we begin with a new element in our San Diego Opera podcasts: interviews with some of the personalities involved with our 2011 productions. Let's begin with a chat with tenor Carlo Ventre, who will be singing the role of Calaf in Puccini's Turandot, opening January 29. In this interview with Nicolas Reveles, Ventre reveals the challenges of the role as well as the physical sensation he experiences in performing great tenor roles like Calaf on stage in front of a large audience.

Spectacular choruses in Turandot

Listen In
11/30/2010
One doesn't automatically think of Giacomo Puccini as a "choral" composer, but there are some glorious choral moments in nearly all of his operas as well as a lovely Mass, the Messa di Gloria. The chorus writing in Turandot, however, is masterful and the choristers are busy throughout the entire opera. Let's explore some of this wonderful music.

Why Liu steals the show in Turandot

Listen In
10/4/2010
It's the classic problem with Puccini's Turandot: how do you move the audience's sympathies from Liu to the title character after falling in love with the beautiful young slave girl? It was Puccini's problem, and we're not sure he entirely solved it. Let's explore and listen!

Original cast recording of Turandot

Listen In
9/7/2010
You mean, there were original cast recordings of Puccini's last opera? Yes, there were. There are also recordings of some of the singers that Puccini wanted to cast in the roles of Turandot and Calaf back in 1926 but who ended up being unavailable. Let's take a listen to some real audio history!

Chinese tunes in Turandot

Listen In
06/29/09
Thanks to an Italian diplomat who'd spent some time in China and gave a Chinese music box to the composer, Puccini was able to discover and then use actual folk tunes within the fabric of his score for the opera Turandot. This podcast will introduce you to those tunes as they are utilized by Puccini in order to help you get to know more about the opera. Have fun!

The role of Calaf in Turandot

Listen In
06/29/09
One of the most exciting male roles in all of Puccini's operas is the role of Calaf, the Tartar Prince who comes to China and falls in love with Turandot. Although Miguel Fleta, who created the role in 1926, did not record anything from the role the tenor whom the composer had in mind all along did. Take a listen to some of the tenors who made the role famous, find out more about Calaf and hear some beautiful music!
 

Videos

OperaTalk

Stars in the Salon

Spotlight

 

Photos

A scene from San Diego Opera’s Turandot, with scenery by David Hockney. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

A scene from San Diego Opera’s Turandot, with scenery by David Hockney. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

A scene from San Diego Opera’s Turandot, with scenery by David Hockney. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calàf in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho is Liù and American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

German bass Reinhard Hagen is Timur, Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho is Liù and Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calàf in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

(L-R) Tiawanese tenor Joseph Hu is Pong, American baritone Jeff Mattsey is Ping and American tenor Joel Sorensen is Pang in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot and Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calàf in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot and Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calàf in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Lise Lindstrom is Turandot and Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calàf in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

Uruguayan tenor Carlo Ventre is Calàf and German bass Reinhard Hagen is Timur in San Diego Opera’s Turandot. January, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

 

Der Rosenkavalier

 

Documents

General Press Release 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

Cast Change Announcement – San Diego Opera 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

Der Rosenkavalier 2011 Backstage Info 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

 

News

Singing the Marschallin is a stirring, everywoman experience for soprano Twyla Robinson  
—The San Diego Union-Tribune

OPERA PREVIEW: German mezzo wears the pants for 'Rosenkavalier' title role  
—North County Times

 

Podcasts

Maestro Christof Perick: An Interview about 'Der Rosenkavalier'

Listen In
3/28/2011
Today we'd like to share an intimate look at Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier (which opens this coming Sunday, April 3, 2011) through an interview with Maestro Christof Perick.

An Interview with Anke Vondung: Octavian

Listen In
3/21/2011
In a fun and revealing interview with German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung, we hear her 'take' on the role of Octavian as well as a bit about her career, much of which has been spent singing trouser roles. Enjoy!

Meet our Marschallin, Twyla Robinson

Listen In
3/14/2011
Stepping in for an indisposed colleague can be both a daunting challenge and an exciting opportunity. Lyric soprano Twyla Robinson is up to the task as she takes on the role of the Marschallin in our upcoming production of Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. The Louisiana native opens up to Dr. Nicolas Reveles about the role and about her career.

Why 'Der Rosenkavalier' Matters at 100 Years Old

Listen In
3/7/2011
Why do some operas last and others disappear after one or two hearings? What makes Strauss's masterpiece so special? Listen to Dr. Reveles' insights on this and other matters as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Der Rosenkavalier!

Der Rosenkavalier: The Marschallin's Monologue

Listen In
2/18/2011
One of the most poignant moments in the score of Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier comes towards the end of Act I, the Marschallin's Monologue, "Da geht er hin". Let's explore what makes this monologue so reflective of the experience of being human, aging against our will, and having to watch it happen day by day in our bathroom mirrors. Strauss gets it!

Revisiting the Leitmotifs in Der Rosenkavalier

Listen In
2/9/2011
The leitmotifs or "leading motives" in Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier are explored by our Education Director, Nicolas Reveles, in a podcast first posted on August 16, 2010. After defining the leitmotif and its use by Richard Wagner, we'll listen to those used by Strauss to help tell the story of this wonderful opera.

The Waltz in Der Rosenkavalier

Listen In
12/6/2010
One doesn't automatically think of Giacomo Puccini as a "choral" composer, but there are some glorious choral moments in nearly all of his operas as well as a lovely Mass, the Messa di Gloria. The chorus writing in Turandot, however, is masterful and the choristers are busy throughout the entire opera. Let's explore some of this wonderful music.

The Italian Tenor in Der Rosenkavalier

Listen In
10/11/2010
Strauss parodies the "Italianate" style, especially Puccini, in Act One of Der Rosenkavalier with the appearance of the Italian Singer. Let's spend a bit of time with this character who'll be sung in our production this coming season by Stephen Costello, our Faust for 2011.

Meet Baron Ochs

Listen In
9/13/2010
If you don't know who Baron Ochs is, take a listen. He's the biggest boor in opera and he's the comic foil to the romance and the waltz atmosphere of Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Here's a short introduction.

Leitmotifs in Der Rosenkavalier

Listen In
8/16/2010
Something common to many operas composed after the death of Richard Wagner is the use of the leitmotif, a musical idea, tune or melodic "germ" used by a composer to unify a complicated score. Richard Strauss was one of the earliest inheritors of the leitmotif system and he uses it with abandon in Der Rosenkavalier. Let's explore some of the leitmotifs used in that opera.

The Gender-Bending Role of Octavian

Listen In
7/19/2010
In Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier we have a wonderful example of a hosenrolle or 'trouser role', a female singer portraying a male character in an opera. Strauss and other composers in opera history had a lot of fun with these roles, and it's time to explore how Octavian fits into the tradition.
 

Videos

OperaTalk

Stars in the Salon

Opera Spotlight

 

Photos

(L-R) American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian and American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) American bass Kevin Langan is the Notary and British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian (here in disguise as Mariandel) and British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs, American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian (here in disguise as Mariandel) in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian (here in disguise as Mariandel) in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian and Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie and British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) American soprano Stephanie Weiss is Marianne, Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs, Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie and American soprano Stephanie Weiss is Marianne in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Stephen Costello is the Italian Singer in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian, American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin, British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs and Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) Italian sopranp Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie, German mezzo-soprano Patrzia Ciofi is Sophie and American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs and Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian and Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian and British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American bass Kevin Langan is the Police Commissioner in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German baritone Hans-Joachim Ketelsen is Faninal in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

German baritone Hans-Joachim Ketelsen is Faninal and Italian soprano Patrizia Ciofi is Sophie in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin, British bass-baritone Andrew Greenan is Baron Ochs and German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung is Octavian in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Twyla Robinson is the Marschallin in San Diego Opera’s production of Der Rosenkavalier (April, 2011). Photo © Ken Howard.

 

Faust

 

Documents

General Press Release 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

Faust 2011 Backstage Info 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

 

News

Married singers team up again for San Diego Opera's 'Faust'  
—North County Times

 

Podcasts

Valentin's Aria from Faust

Listen In
10/18/2010
One of the most memorable moments in Gounod's opera Faust is the baritone aria, "Avant de quitter ces lieux". It is probably the most popular aria for lyric baritones to audition with, as well as a key moment in the opera. By the way, it ain't easy! Let's listen to three baritones from three different generations of opera artists apply their mastery to this wonderful piece.

Great Fausts on Record

Listen In
8/24/2010
There is no dearth of great tenors who have recorded portions or all of the role of Faust in Gounod's opera. Let's listen to a few of them: Caruso, Gigli, Bjoerling, Corelli and Gedda. What fun!

Faust: Great Marguerites on Record

Listen In
7/26/2010
We're lucky in that many of the great sopranos of the past who've sung the role of Marguerite in Gounod's Faust recorded excerpts or were involved in complete commercial recordings of the work. Let's survey them and bask for awhile in the beauty of these voices!
 

Videos

OperaTalk

Stars in the Salon

Opera Spotlight

 

Photos

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust and American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver

(American baritone Brian Mulligan in Valentin in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American baritone Brian Mulligan in Valentin and American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American baritone Scott Sikon is Wagner and American baritone Brian Mulligan in Valentin in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver

New Zealand mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle is Siebel in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust and American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

New Zealand mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle is Siebel in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite and American mezzo-soprano Jane Bunnell is Marthe Schwerlein in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust and American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust and American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès and American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

New Zealand mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle is Siebel in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust and American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust and American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American soprano Ailyn Pérez is Marguerite in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American baritone Brian Mulligan is Valentin in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

The Garden Scene in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

American baritone Brian Mulligan is Valentin, American bass-baritone Greer Grimsley is Méphistophélès and American tenor Stephen Costello is Faust in San Diego Opera’s production of Faust, April/May, 2011. Photo © Cory Weaver.

 

Carmen

 

Documents

General Press Release 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

Carmen Cast Change 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

Carmen Backstage Info 
  Download DOC        Download PDF

 

Podcasts

Let’s Dance

Listen In
11/1/2010
You're probably aware that there are lots of "danceable" moments in Bizet's opera Carmen. Let's explore some of those moments, one of which might surprise you!

The Opera Comique version of Carmen

Listen In
9/27/2010
Carmen premiered at the Opera Comique in Paris in March, 1875. The Comique had certain performing traditions that Bizet and his team had to follow, one of them being that dialogue between characters was normally spoken, not sung. In fact it wasn't until after Bizet's death in June of that same year that the fully-sung version of the opera was first presented to the public. Let's briefly explore the difference in these two versions.

Great Don Jose’s on record

Listen In
8/30/2010
Just as we did last week with Faust, here are some stellar examples of great tenors who made Don Jose in Carmen a signature role. What could be more challenging for a singing actor than to trace the deterioration of a character both musically and dramatically in an exciting evening of opera? Listen in!

Conchita Supervia: The greatest Carmen?

Listen In
8/2/2010
Some of you might be familiar with the name, some of you may not. But there was a time when, especially in Europe, mezzo-soprano Conchita Supervia was considered the greatest Carmen of all time. Luckily for us, she left some brilliant recordings behind, dating from the 1930s. Take a listen and see if you agree that this singer might just have left a standard of performance that has yet to be surpassed!

http://traffic.libsyn.com/sandiegoopera/July_6_2010_podcast.mp3

Listen In
7/5/2010
Sure, she's the 'star', and yes, she gets all the great, memorable tunes. But did you every think that maybe, just possibly, the opera is really about Don Jose? Musically, at least, I think he's more interesting! Let's take a listen!
 

Videos

OperaTalk

 

Photos

American baritone Scott Sikon is Morales and American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Richard Leech is Don José and American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Richard Leech is Don José and American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Richard Leech is Don José and American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American bass Kevin Langan is Zuniga in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American baritone Wayne Tigges is Escamillo in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American baritone Wayne Tigges is Escamillo in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen, Taiwanese tenor Joseph Hu is Remendado, American soprano Rachel Copeland is Frasquita, American baritone Jeff Mattsey is Dancaïre and Indian-born soprano Priti Gandhi is Mercédès in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) American baritone Jeff Mattsey is Dancaïre, Indian-born soprano Priti Gandhi is Mercédès and American soprano Rachel Copeland is Frasquita in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

(Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R)Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen, Indian-born soprano Priti Gandhi is Mercédès and American soprano Rachel Copeland is Frasquita in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

(L-R) American baritone Jeff Mattsey is Dancaïre, Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen, American soprano Rachel Copeland is Frasquita, Indian-born soprano Priti Gandhi is Mercédès and Taiwanese tenor Joseph Hu is Remendado in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American baritone Wayne Tigges is Escamillo and Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American tenor Richard Leech is Don José and American soprano Talise Trevigne is Micaëla in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

American baritone Wayne Tigges is Escamillo and Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

Georgian mezzo soprano Nino Surguladze is Carmen and American tenor Richard Leech is Don José in San Diego Opera’s Carmen. May, 2011. Photo © Ken Howard.

 
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