Asheville Lyric Opera stages “Don Giovanni” on April 4 and 6

Press release

The new 2014 opera season will begin with Mozart’s dramatic thriller, Don Giovanni on April 4th at 8pm and April 6th at 3pm. Asheville Lyric Opera will introduce a new dynamic production of the infamous retelling of the Spanish fable, Don Juan. ALO is pleased to present nationally acclaimed artists in leading roles such as Metropolitan Opera and Chicago Lyric Opera baritone Galen Scott Bower. Working alongside Mr. Bower will be Asheville’s own, Jonathan Ross as Leporello, the not so loyal servant, and Greenville SC opera singer, Grant Knox as Don Ottavio.

Mozart’s classic retelling of the Spanish Don Juan has enticed audiences for centuries with its presentation of love, folly, and poetic justice. The title role of Don Giovanni embodies the Spanish Don Juan as he embarks on his lust-filled conquests. In pursuit of Donna Anna, her father, Il Commendatore, identifies him as an intruder. They duel to the death in which Giovanni prevails. Giovanni’s love conquests continue as he tries to lull both Donna Elvira and the soon to be wedded Zerlina. Leporello, Giovanni’s man servant, assists in his evil ways, but stays seemingly disloyal. Once they figure out the breadth of Giovanni’s wretchedness, they combine forces to bring Giovanni to justice. As they chase each other around in an attempt to bring the immoral Giovanni to justice. Giovanni passes the statue of the Commendatore in town and mockingly invites it to dinner. Later that evening the statue shows up at Giovanni’s castle and casts him into eternal damnation.

Returning to perform the title role is nationally acclaimed opera baritone Galen Scott Bower. Last season’s Baron Scarpia in Tosca will be accompanied by his not so loyal manservant Leporello, baritone Jonathan Ross. Kathy Pyeatt, last season’s Tosca, will return in the role of Donna Elvira. Several debuting singers will include Furman University’s new Director of Lyric Theatre, tenor Grant Knox, performing one of his nationally renowned roles as Don Ottavio, Donna Anna, will be performed by international soprano Kristin Vogel, and Washington DC’s leading opera soprano, Randa Rouwehya as the soon to be wedded Zerlina. Her husband-to-be, Masetto, will be sung by local star baritone Dominic Aquilino.

ALO is proud to announce the return of the highly talented David Malis. A renowned producer, director, and performer, Mr. Malis has been responsible for the production of many acclaimed operas. Working alongside Mr. Sherman is the brilliant maestro, who last led ALO’s highly acclaimed production of La Traviata, Scott Schoonover. ALO will feature a brand new design concept of the show by resident designer Julie Ross who adds contemporary nuance with elegant sophistication. The opera will also feature the Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra.

NEW PERFORMANCE DATES with Sunday matinee:
The Friday, April 4, 2014 performance will begin at 8pm. Sunday April 6, 2014 will be a matinee performance beginning at 3pm in the Diana Wortham Theater in Asheville, NC. The opera will be performed in original Italian with English supertitles providing a wonderful digital interactive experience. Tickets are available at the theatre box office: 828-257-4530.

Tickets to the Don Giovanni April 2, 2013 Preview Dress Rehearsal at 7pm are available through the opera office. Call the Asheville Lyric Opera at 828-236-0670 to make preview dress rehearsal reservations. For more information visit www.ashevillelyric.org.