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Click to read more about past Operas and Events:
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Our Pinkterton from last year's award-winning Madama Butterfly, Arnold Rawls, will sing Turridu and another powerhouse tenor, Daniel Rodriguez will sing the role of Canio, which features arguably the most passion-filled and best known tenor aria Our Crimes of Passion season concludes with the most famous pairing of all. Mascagni’s tale of “Rustic Chivalry” Sicilian-style and Leoncavello’s gloriously tragic play within an opera (I Pagliacci) define everything Verismo was about. Immensely popular, Canio's Act I aria is almost the theme song for tragic events in another of today's verismo-esque media, the mafia film. I Pagliacci was the first opera televised in the United States, on March 10, 1941. And both “Cav and Pag” were part of the Metropolitan Opera’s first live radio broadcast thirty years earlier in 1910 when Enrico Caruso was heard live by several amateurs, some ships in New York Harbor, and invited guests at a Times Square hotel!. "Cav" is set in 1890's Sicily, and is sung in a Sicilian dialect, something shocking to opera audiences of the day. Tirridu, after seducing the young Santuzza, casts her aside in favor of an illicit affair with his old flame, Lola who is married to the (normally) cheerful Alfio. Santuzza tells Alfio everything, though she quickly regrets doing so. Alfio insults Tirridu so thoroughly, a duel results, and only one of them gets satisfaction. "Pag" tells the story of a troupe of traveling players led by Canio and his wife Nedda. Jealous of their relationship Tonio, the second fiddle to Canio, overhears Nedda's plans to elope later that night with a young villager named Silvio. He tells Canio about the affair and, while the show must go on, Canio first acts out, then carries out his plan for revenge. Seduction, murder and passion - by stiletto!
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| Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci | ||||
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Last year audiences in Concord thrilled to the sounds of tomorrow’s opera superstars who appeared with the Granite State Opera Orchestra in our first Opera Gala. Carmen Sponsored in part by the Arthur and Dolores Daniels Foundation and the Metropolitan Opera National Council’s New England Regional Board, this concert features four very special young singers chosen from a national search and competition, with the fabulous Granite State Opera Orchestra under the baton of Artistic Director Philip Lauriat. Now it’s the Seacoast’s turn, when winners and finalists from the Metropolitan Opera’s version of “American Idol” come to Portsmouth. In the same way that opera was the mass entertainment medium of its day, works like Carmen and the "verismo” pairing of "Cav and Pag" could be considered the original "reality shows," attempting to realistically depict the lives, loves and losses of regular, often poor people. So this event provides a fitting addition to Granite State Opera's 2006-2007 Season. Don’t miss this night of gorgeous, passionate and tragic opera music, sung by today's most exciting young voices representing the very best-of-the-best nationwide.
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When not working at a Spanish cigarette factory, the seductive, gypsy Carmen dances, smuggles and flirts with equal abandon. Her targets include army corporal Don Jose and the famous matador, Escamillo. While Don Jose is professing faithfulness to his bethroved, the shy country girl Micaela, Carmen wants him badly! But once he succumbs obsessively to her charms, she quickly drops him for Escamillo, and tragedy ensues. Favorite tunes include the sexy "Habenera" and famous "Toreador Song." When CARMEN debuted in Russia, Tchaikovsky predicted that in ten years it would be the world’s most popular opera...and he was right, then and now. When speaking of the opera itself, or the seethingly seductive gypsy title character, one might say, “Everybody Loves Carmen.” This CARMEN will be completely restaged by Granite State Opera Artistic Director Philip Lauriat, who will both direct and conduct in what promises to be a visually and musically stunning production. More than one crime and lots of passion! |
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| Carmen | ||||
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Puccini's all time classic tale of love honor and betrayal is set in early twentieth century Japan. The opera follows the rise and fall of a marriage between a venerable Japanese Geisha and her American husband, naval officer Lt. Pinkerton. Pinkerton is happy to buy himself a temporary bride, the beautiful and innocent Butterfly. But what to him is a fleeting diversion, is to her a lifetime commitment. A pillar of honor, devotion and virtue, Butterfly is one of opera lover's favorite heroines.
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| Madama Butterfly | ||||
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Set in a nineteenth century Italian village, the Elixir of Love is the story of two men who love one woman. She in turn, whimsically falls in love with every man she sees. This is truly Bel Canto comic opera at its finest. Nemorino, a simple farmer, and Belcore, an impossibly pompous army sergeant, battle for the love of Adina, the wealthy and capricious owner of the farm. It is only when Dr. Dulcarama, a snake oil peddler of the first order, comes to town with a love potion and a cure-all elixir that this hilarious comedy really takes off. In true "opera buffa" fashion, love finally conquers all and everyone wins in the end.
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| l'Elisor d'Amore | ||||
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As court jester to the womanizing Duke of Mantua, Rigoletto jokes about each amorous conquest made by his lustful master. But the clown's sarcastic manner hides a tender side: his daughter Gilda is the source of his only joy. When Gilda herself is seduced by the Duke, an enraged Rigoletto sets powerful events in motion, leading to one of the most poignant moments in all of opera. Rigoletto features some of Verdi's most glorious melodies, from the beloved "La donna e mobile" to the exquisite "Caro nome" and the unforgettalbe Quartet when the broken-hearted Gilda watches the Duke seduce another woman.
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| Rigoletto | ||||
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In this tale of mistaken identities, disguises, deceptions, double crosses and blunders, total and delightful confusion reigns, set against a musical tapestry that reflects Mozart's artistic genius at its most magnificent.
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| Le Nozze di Figaro | ||||
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The Magic Flute Join Granite State Opera for its delightful production of Mozart's most beloved masterpiece, The Magic Flute. This timeless fairy tale follows the young Prince Tamino and his friend the bird catcher Papageno as they search for Princess Pamina in order to save her—but from whom? Sarastro who has kidnapped her? The Queen of the Night who promises beautiful Pamina to Tamino if he finds her? Monastatos, the slave with ambitions? Mozart's kaleidoscopic masterpiece will keep you spellbound! Return to top of page |
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The New York Times calls La Bohème "the world's most popular opera." Whether you are new to opera, or a devoted follower, there is no better example of opera than this beautiful love story - a classic that captures all the beauty, romance, and emotion that this passionate art form has to offer. Article: Lauriat a Master in Granite State Opera’s “La Boheme” |
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To learn more about Frederica von Stade, please visit her website at www.fredericavonstade.com. In November 2001, Granite State Opera presented its own original production of Rossini's greatest comic masterpiece, "The Barber of Seville." It was sung in English in two performances at the Palace Theatre on November 23 and 25. "The Barber of Seville" has also had a long career. Based on a 1775 French play by Pierre Beaumarchais it was quickly turned into opera by at least three composers before Rossini. The Rossini version, which eclipsed the others, was first performed in Rome in 1816. It has never left the world's opera houses for very long in the 185 years since its debut! A classic of comedy, it is a great vehicle for directors, conductors and singers alike to provide fresh new interpretations for each generation.
Philip Lauriat, Artistic Director for Granite State Opera, was pleased to have an outstanding cast in this production. The lead roles were performed by accomplished singers who perform both nationally and internationally. This included Ellen Rabiner, who performed the title role of Carmen, and who sings regularly at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Seattle Opera. The New York Times hailed Ellen Rabiner for her "deep, rounded tone," The Boston Globe wrote that she possesses a "rich contralto and both musical and dramatic sensitivity," and New York Newsday caller her a "fine singing actress." Ellen made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1994, and has sung throughout the United States. Scott Flaherty, a young tenor who was cast as Don Jose, has performed the role nationally and internationally. Scott recently appeared with Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra for a national telecast of PBS' Evening at the Pops. He triumphed as Don Jose in Carmen with the Bolshoi Opera in Minsk, Belarus, and has also sung the role in Hamburg, Germany, and in British Columbia. He has sung with New York City Opera, Opera Ireland and Hong Kong Opera, and is currently performing the major Italian tenor roles throughout the world. The role of Escamillo was sung by Brian Davis, who made his Metropolitan Opera debut in Tristan und Isolde. In April 2002 he is featured as Don Giovanni at New York City Opera where last season he sang both roles of Escamillo in Carmen and Germont in La Traviata. Critics rave about his "splendid baritone voice" (The Boston Globe) and "warm-hued compassion" (Opera News). Boston Soprano Martha Warren sang the role of Michaela. Critics have praised Ms.Warren's Musetta in La Boheme as "bold and brassy...easily the star of the show," and her "affecting singing" as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan Tutte as "the vocal highpoint of the evening." Martha has performed Mimi in La Boheme, Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, and the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro with various opera companies throughout New England. About Carmen: When not working at a Spanish cigarette factory, the seductive, gypsy Carmen dances, smuggles and flirts with equal abandon. Her targets include army corporal Don Jose and the famous matador, Escamillo. While Don Jose is professing faithfulness to his bethroved, the shy country girl Micaela, Carmen wants him badly! But once he succumbs obsessively to her charms, she quickly drops him for Escamillo, and tragedy ensues. Favorite tunes include the sexy "Habenera" and famous "Toreador Song." When CARMEN debuted in Russia, Tchaikovsky predicted that in ten years it would be the world’s most popular opera...and he was right, then and now. When speaking of the opera itself, or the seethingly seductive gypsy title character, one might say, “Everybody Loves Carmen.” More than one crime and lots of passion!
Amahl and The Night Visitors was performed at the NH Institute of Art in Manchester, NH on January 5, 6 and 7, 2001. This is the beautiful story of a young shepherd boy whose bedtime is interrupted by the Three Kings, and whose life is changed forever. In English, this touching story by Gian-Carlo Menotti will warm the hearts of young and old alike. Amahl and the Night Visitors is the first opera written especially for television, and was first performed on NBC on Christmas Eve, 1951. The role of Amahl, which was double cast, was sung by Mason Gloudemans of Hancock, NH and Jaime MacDonnell of Tewksbury, MA. Janice Edwards sang the role of Amahl's Mother, and the roles of the Three Wise Men were performed by Craig Hanson as King Kaspar, Carlos Archuleta as King Melchior, and Morris Robinson as King Balthazar. Fred Furnari sang the role of The Page. The ensemble consisted of eight shepherds, and a children's chorus made up of five children from throughout southern New Hampshire. Mezzo-soprano Janice Edwards has sung with many leading international orchestras and opera companies, including Arizona Opera, Prague Radio Orchestra and the New Hampshire Music Festival. She lives in Manchester. Craig Hanson, of Boston, has sung widely in recital, oratorio and opera throughout the Boston area. Baritone Carlos Archuleta has sung with Natchez Opera, Boston Academy of Music and Santa Fe Pro Musica, and was featured in Granite State Opera's September concert Passion, Peril and Pandemonium: A Wild Night at the Opera! Morris Robinson, bass, has sung with Boston Lyric Opera, and the Nashua resident will continue this season with Opera Theatre St. Louis and Seattle Opera. Fred Furnari sang in Granite State Opera's production of The Devil and Daniel Webster last season, and with Longwood Opera and Savoyard Light Opera Company.
In it's first public performance, Granite State Opera wowed its audience by providing singing unmatched in the region. The 2 hour performance included singing by Martha Warren, soprano, mezzo soprano, Kevin Hill, tenor, and Carlos Archuleta, baritone. Philip Lauriat, Artistic Director, led the 45-piece Granite State Opera Orchestra. read more.. On April 4 and 5, 2000, Granite State Opera gave four free performances of its own production of "The Devil and Daniel Webster" at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, N.H. These performances were attended by a total of approximately 5000 New Hampshire schoolchildren, thanks to the Opera League of New Hampshire. The League provided a large share of the production cost and also made the necessary arrangements with the participating schools.
• Introduced Granite State Opera The New York Times hailed Ellen Rabiner for her "deep, rounded tone," The Boston Globe wrote that she possesses a "rich contralto and both musical and dramatic sensitivity," and New York Newsday called her "a fine singing actress." Ellen made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1994, and has sung across the United States with companies such as the San Francisco and Seattle Operas. Critics have praised soprano Martha Warren's Musetta in La Boheme as "bold and brassy ... easily...the star of the show", and her "affecting singing" as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte as "the vocal highpoint of the evening". Martha has performed Mimi in La Boheme, Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, and the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro throughout New England. |
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