The Dallas Opera 2021-2022 - The Barber of Seville/The Pearl Fishers

3 MADAME BUTTERFLY | FLIGHT Dear Friends, How excited we are to bring you one of the greatest comic operas of all time, The Barber of Seville . In fact, many opera lovers’ first introduction to this glorious art form was through this most amusing work—Rossini’s hummable tunes, its character’s antics, and its happy ending—always bringing sheer joy. But how could we forget Bugs Bunny as The Rabbit of Seville , which still brings smiles to worldwide audiences. How many operas can boast this level of recognition and pop culture significance? Fans of this great opera know that its accessibility takes nothing away from Rossini’s most beloved work—in fact, it only helps it endure for future opera fans! In The Pearl Fishers , we offer a masterwork of another kind—a French opera of forbidden love with a dose of treachery, sacrifice, and longing that touches the heart in any language. Two men fall in love with the same princess, but they swear to give her up for the sake of their friendship. In true operatic fashion, they don’t, and one man wins her love while the other loses his life. The drama takes place in foreign lands, and we are delighted to have sets and costumes by the iconic Zandra Rhodes fully supporting Bizet’s beautiful score. We’re ready for the curtain to rise! FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR AND BOARD CHAIR Welcome to the Winspear Opera House! Thank you for joining us. Whether this is your first time or 100th, we have great things in store! The Barber of Seville is a true classic—it never fails to entertain. Even now, centuries after it was written, audiences still laugh out loud at the hijinks of that famous barber, Figaro, as he schemes to help true love find its way. This opera is a much-needed gift—a chance to put away reality for a bit, to sit back and enjoy. I look forward to our production of The Pearl Fishers . I heard our Orchestra perform the famous “friendship” duet this past fall at The People’s Choice Concert and have been anticipating the full production ever since. Its soaring melodies and story of true love and sacrifice are sure to please. These productions represent our collective gratitude to you—our loyal patrons, dedicated sponsors, generous donors, and first-time opera goers. You help us to remain on course during this time of such uncertainty. We look ahead to next season and beyond as The Dallas Opera continues to bring wonderful music in our beautiful Winspear Opera House. Thank you all. PHOTOS: LAUREN BLOOM, GITTINGS COVER: CORY WEAVER/SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ANN STUART, PH.D. Board Chair IAN DERRER The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO 3 THE BARBER OF SEVILLE | THE PEARL FISHERS