Music Academy to Screen Season-Opening Gala for Metropolitan Opera Simulcasts
For Immediate Release September 15, 2008
Contact:
Tim Dougherty
805.695.7908
Santa Barbara, CA – The Music Academy of the West will screen the opening gala heralding this season's Metropolitan Opera "Live in HD" series on Monday, September 22. Beginning at 6 pm, the screening will take place at the Academy's newly renovated Hahn Hall and include champagne and dessert receptions. Ample free parking is available on the Academy campus, located at 1070 Fairway Road in Santa Barbara. Tickets cost $48.
The gala will feature Renée Fleming in fully staged performances of scenes from three operas: Verdi's La Traviata (Act II), Massenet's Manon (Act III), and the final scene from Richard Strauss's Capriccio. Tenor Ramón Vargas and baritones Thomas Hampson (a Music Academy Distinguished Alumnus) and Dwayne Croft will co-star. Met Music Director James Levine and Marco Armiliato will serve as conductors.
The schedule for the evening is as follows:
6 pm: Pre-show transmission, featuring backstage
action and commentary
6:30 pm: Verdi's La Traviata, scene from act II
7:35 pm: Intermission - champagne reception
8:10 pm: Massenet's Manon, scene from act III
9 pm: Intermission - dessert reception
9:35 pm: Richard Strauss' Capriccio, final scene
10 pm: Gala concludes
The Met's groundbreaking "Live in HD" series features live transmissions of Met Opera performances to select venues, including the Music Academy of the West. The transmissions are in high definition, and performances are captured using robotic cameras and other advanced technologies. In addition to the opening night gala on September 22, the Met has announced that its "Live in HD" series will feature 10 transmissions for 2008-09. Season highlights will include the December 20 performance of Massenet's Thaïs, conducted by Jesús López-Cobos and with Ms. Fleming in the title role and Mr. Hampson appearing as the monk Athanaël, and the March 21 performance of Bellini's La Sonnambula, starring Natalie Dessay and Music Academy alumnus Juan Diego Flórez. Most Met performances will be simulcast on Saturdays at 10 am local time, with encore screenings on Sundays at 2 pm. Ticket prices start at $22.
The 2008-09 "Live in HD" season will open at 10 am on Saturday, October 11, with a production of Richard Strauss' Salome, starring soprano Karita Mattila. Ms. Mattila, who caused a sensation when she sang Salome at the Met for the first time in 2004, will reprise her stunning interpretation of the role, including her unforgettable Dance of the Seven Veils. Baritone Juha Uusitalo will play Jochanaan and Patrick Summers will conduct.
For complete ticket and season program information, go to www.musicacademy.org/about-us/special-events. Information is also available at 969-8787.
Founded in 1947, the Music Academy of the West is among the nation's preeminent summer schools and festivals for gifted young classical musicians. The Academy provides these promising musicians with the opportunity for advanced study and frequent performance under the guidance of internationally renowned faculty artists, as well as guest conductors and soloists. Admission to the Academy is strictly merit based, and Fellows receive full scholarships (tuition, room, and board). Academy alumni are members of major symphony orchestras, chamber orchestras, ensembles, opera companies, and university and conservatory faculties throughout the world. Many enjoy careers as prominent solo artists. Based in Santa Barbara, the Music Academy of the West presents more than 200 public events annually, including performances by faculty, visiting artists, and Fellows; masterclasses; orchestra and chamber music concerts; and fully staged opera. The Music Academy will broadcast live performances by the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera at Hahn Hall beginning in October. For more information, visit www.musicacademy.org.
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