Adventures in Culture -- Opera for Students: Jan 14, Feb 25 and/or Apr 9

Opera Pacific
http://www.operapacific.org/
The Orange County Performing Arts Center
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
(Just off the 405, about 35 miles South of CSULA)
Visit mapquest for directions

Email Ganna at alevitin@cox.net or call at 949-249-1425
to give her the information on your purchases and travel plans.

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Opera Pacific's Student Preview series gives parents and teachers the opportunity to introduce their children to the world of grand opera: a cast of renowned singers, a full orchestra, glorious music, stunning costumes, elaborate sets and the excitement of live theater. Student Previews are the final dress rehearsals prior to the week of the show.

For every one chaperone in attendance, a minimum of three students should accompany them. Anyone over the age of 18 is considered a chaperone. This one-to-three ratio is recommended, however there may be no less than two students in accompaniment.

All Student Preview patrons are welcome to attend the free preview talk one hour prior to each of the performances. These are informative, entertaining and provide valuable insight into the opera you are about to see. The performances start promptly thereafter. All patrons will receive one complimentary study guide per group, containing both information and activities, for each of the operas. Free Docent visits are also available for groups of 10 or more students.

Opera Etiquette -- http://www.operapacific.org/Etiquette/ dress in NOT casual, but formal attire is not necessary.

Don Giovanni

Don Giovanni -- music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 6 pm (preview talk at 5 pm)
"Wayne Tigges shows an exquisite voice which is absolutely world class.” ~ San Francisco News
In Italian with English translation projected above the stage
Mozart's immortal creation is often called "the opera of all operas" and hailed as one of the most exalted works in the repertoire. Based on the story of Don Juan, the 18th century aristocrat who is irresistible to women, it's a tale filled with passion, lust and danger, underscored by some of the greatest music ever written. Our production features a bold stage set and a cast of rising acclaimed stars.

Carmen

Carmen -- Georges Bizet
Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 2 pm (preview talk at 1 pm)
"Jossie Pérez was Carmen in the flesh. She could mesmerize an audience simply by standing still and thinking." ~ The Bellingham Herald
In French with English translation projected above the stage
The most popular opera of all time, Carmen is the story of a woman whose lust -- and tragedy -- is to live life on her own terms. Our Carmen is Jossie Perez, the fiery mezzo-soprano from Puerto Rico who stars in January 2006's The Italian Girl in Algiers. Alongside Ms. Perez is sensational tenor Yu Qiang Dai, who returns to Opera Pacific in the role of Don Jose. The story overflows with Latin flair, featuring vibrant sun-splashed sets, the powerful Opera Pacific chorus, and toreadors, soldiers and gypsies galore

The Elixir of Love

The Elixir of Love -- Gaetano Donizetti
Monday, April 9, 2007 at 7 pm (preview talk at 6 pm) -- NOTE MONDAY DATE
"William Burden sings with unfailing sweetness…and has the looks of a young romantic." ~ The Financial Times
In Italian with English translation projected above the stage
Donizetti's light-hearted confection is all about -- what else? -- romance, love potions, the twists and turns of courtship, and happy endings. Our production, a re-imagination of Jonathan Miller's, is set in a west Texas diner in the 1950s! And our All-American cast includes William Burden as Nemorino and Sari Gruber as Adina. Elixir is a lively romp -- the tale of a country bumpkin, Nemorino, who can't quite catch the eye of the woman he adores. He turns to a traveling salesman who's pushing the title's love potion -- and hilarity ensues!

The tickets are $18 per single show for student, and $30 for adult, or $39 for the three-show series for student and $78 for adult -- these are VERY reasonable, when you consider that the normal price per ticket is over $100. We are planning on carpooling, so let Ganna know when you place your order, and if you are willing to or need a carpool. Email Ganna at alevitin@cox.net or call at 949-249-1425