The Florentine Opera Company will bring passion and warfare to Uihlein Hall

Marcus Center for the performing Arts in Milwaukee, WI –The Florentine Opera will deliver a new production of the grand seduction that spanned the continents in George Frideric Handel’s Baroque classic Julius Caesar, as the third installment of the company’s grand 80^th Anniversary Season. “My goal as we planned for this monumental milestone was to celebrate the heritage of the Florentine and its founders with opera’s most beloved and celebrated works” noted FO General Director William Florescu. “By building a new production of the greatest Baroque opera Julius Caesar, the Florentine will offer audiences an experience filled with the lavish beauty of this classic art form.”

On March 28 and 29, 2014, the season continues with a new production of George Frideric Handel’s Julius Caesar – The Florentine Opera produces Handel’s 18^th– century classic Baroque masterpiece for the very first time.  Handel’s most celebrated Italian opera follows the ‘new tradition’ of Baroque opera for Milwaukee audiences. Soprano Ava Pine (Pamina in The Magic Flute 2009, Blanca in Río de Sangre 2010) returns to the Florentine Opera stage as the seductive Cleopatra opposite mezzo-soprano Deanne Meek (Teatro alla Scala and Metropolitan Opera), making her Florentine debut as Caesar. Mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala (Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro 2013) sings Sextus, and counter-tenor Ian Howell (Cupid/Spirit in Venus & Adonis/Dido & Aeneas 2011) returns with newcomer bass-baritone Derrick Ballard in this production directed by the Metropolitan Opera’s Eric Einhorn (Turandot 2011). Maestro William Boggs (two-time Grammy-winning Elmer Gantry 2010) conducts the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in this new Florentine Opera production featuring sets and lighting by Noele Stollmack and costume design by Christianne Myers (The Magic Flute 2009, Rigoletto 2010, Venus/Dido 2011).

TICKETS

Single ticket prices begin at just $30 with ‘Friday Evening’ and ‘Sunday Matinee’ season ticket packages from $94-$307?.

‘Flex Packages’ are also available (allowing you to choose the dates and times that work best for you). Single ticket are on sale now.  For more information on ordering ticket packages visit www.florentineopera.org or call (414) 291-5700 ext. 224 or 1-800-32 OPERA.

PERFORMANCE / EVENT INFORMATION

WHAT:                

JULIUS CAESAR by George Frideric Handel

(Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage)      

WHEN:                

Friday, March 28, 2014 @ 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 30, 2014 @ 2:30 PM             

WHERE:             

All performances are held in Uihlein Hall at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202

CAST:                  

Stage Director / Eric Einhorn

Conductor / William Boggs

Cleopatra / Ava Pine

Julius Caesar / Deanne Meek*

Sextus / Adriana Zabala

Cornelia / Eve Gigliotti*

Ptolemy / Ian Howell

Achillas / Derrick Ballard *

*denotes Florentine debut

ABOUT THE FLORENTINE OPERA COMPANY

The Florentine Opera Company’s productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. As a leader in Wisconsin’s art community and the nation’s sixth-oldest opera company, the Florentine Opera seeks to establish a significant presence in the cultural, educational and civic life of the state of Wisconsin and beyond. Audiences enjoy beautiful main stage productions that include first-rate vocal artistry brought to life by established and emerging international, national and local opera stars. With a foundation of fiscal responsibility, the company continues to grow its artistic and educational programs. Through its outreach and in-school educational programming, the Florentine provides vital arts education experiences for children, nurtures new audiences, and expands cultural horizons for the next generation. The Florentine Opera is a cornerstone member organization of the United Performing Arts Fund and receives funds from Milwaukee County and the State of Wisconsin, as well as support from corporations, foundations and individuals. The Florentine Opera Company is a member of Opera America.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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