Austin Lyric Opera Announces Spin-Off, Effective Feb. 1

AUSTIN—The Austin Lyric Opera announced today that the Armstrong Community Music School will become an independent not-for-profit organization, effective February 1, 2012. This move is the result of a decision taken by the board of trustees of Austin Lyric Opera this past June to spin off the music school as a separate entity.

“This change allows the Austin Lyric Opera and the Armstrong School of Music to focus on their core missions and to expand their services to the community,” Ernest Auerbach, president of the Opera board, said. “We are pleased about what the future holds for both the Opera and the school.”

Martha Rochelle, who chaired the Austin Lyric Opera’s task force that worked on a strategic plan for the future of the school, will serve as Armstrong Community Music School’s chair.

The Austin Lyric Opera established the Armstrong Community Music School in 2000 at the same time it bought and renovated its facility on Barton Springs Road. “Owning that building has given us an extremely valuable asset, and creating a school that can stand alone makes us believe we’ve successfully raised a bright child into a productive and creative adult,” Auerbach said.

The opera and the school will maintain their programs and operations at the Barton Springs Road site through April 2012 and then will establish separate facilities.

The Austin Lyric Opera will launch a new opera education program to complement its opera subscription season at The Long Center. The Armstrong Community Music School will maintain its focus on early childhood music education, individual music instruction and other community programs.

The opera, now in its 25th season, recently announced its list of operas to be performed next season: Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Gounod’s Faust.

Auerbach said that recent donations to the Opera have totaled more than $1 million and that the sale of the building in December to Megalomedia Inc. was a profitable and stabilizing move. “The successful sale of our building, the support we are seeing for the Silver Anniversary Fund and other donations that are flowing in has brought us to the best financial condition we’ve had in many years,” Auerbach said. “The Opera is close to finding new space for its staff and rehearsals, and are seeing a bright future for this important performing arts company.”

Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, and Gounod’s Faust

AUSTIN—Austin Lyric Opera (ALO) announced today the lineup of its 26^th season (2012-2013). The season kicks off in November 2012 with Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, followed by Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro in January and February 2013. The season concludes with a new production of Gounod’s Faust in April 2013. Current subscribers can renew their season tickets starting Tuesday, January 17.

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Richard Buckley will lead all three productions. “We are tremendously proud and excited to announce the 26^th season,” says Richard Buckley. “We selected three productions that allow us to explore repertoire and really showcase many world class artists on the stage.”

“There is a powerful sense of energy and optimism at ALO that is being felt throughout the community,” says Kevin Smith, interim general director. “Audiences have responded with enthusiasm to our current anniversary season—subscriptions and contributions are up substantially—and they will undoubtedly enjoy the 26^th season with three recognizable and inspiring operas.”

Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci

November 10, 15 and 18, 2012

The 26^th season opens in November with Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. This famously tragic opera tells the heartbreaking story of betrayal and jealousy in an Italian comedic theater troupe. When the wife of the lead performer has eyes for another actor, theater and reality collide in a dramatic climax of operatic proportions. The opera premiered in 1892 in Milan led by famed conductor Arturo Toscanini.

Renowned tenor Carl Tanner returns to Austin as Canio, a role he has performed to great acclaim at New York City Opera, Real Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, Italy and the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia; soprano Danielle Pastin appears in a role debut as Nedda; and baritone Daniel Sutin as Tonio and baritone Corey McKern as Silvio make their ALO debuts.

This production of Pagliacci was design by the Italian Roberto Laganà. Stage direction is by Garnett Bruce, who has staged numerous productions with Austin Lyric Opera including La Traviata (2002, 2010), La Cenerentola (2008), La bohème (2009), and the upcoming Turandot (2012).

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro

January 31, February 2 and 3, 2013

The season continues in January and February with Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. In this “single day of madness,” Figaro, the infamous barber of Seville, takes the audience on a laugh-out-loud ride filled with schemes, masquerades and mistaken identities.

Premiered in 1786, the opera was the first of three collaborations between Mozart and Da Ponte. It is a continuation of the plot of Beaumarchais’ play The Barber of Seville several years later.

Soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine (The Magic Flute, 2011) returns to Austin as Susanna; bass Paolo Pecchioli (Italian Girl in Algiers, 2011) is Figaro; bass Jonathan Beyer (La bohème, 2009; Flight, 2011) is Count Almaviva; soprano Eleni Calenos makes her ALO debut as Countess Rosina Almaviva; and mezzo-soprano Karin Mushegain (Flight, 2011) is Cherubino.

This production, originally owned by the Opera Company of Philadelphia, is now in the hands of Austin Lyric Opera. Stage direction is by Kristine McIntyre, who previously directed Flight (2010) at ALO.

Gounod’s Faust

April 25, 27 and 28, 2013

The final production of the 26^th season is Gounod’s Faust. This classic tale of a man’s deal with the devil in order to give himself another chance at youth and love is abounded with Gounod’s unforgettable melodies.

Tenor Jonathan Boyd makes his ALO debut in the title role Faust; bass-baritone Jamie Offenbach debuts for ALO as Mephistopheles; and Korean baritone Hyung Yun makes his ALO debut as Valentine.

The new production by stage director Bernard Uzan is a coproduction of Arizona Opera, Lyric Opera Baltimore and Opera Lyra Ottawa that premiered in Arizona in November 2011. The Arizona Republic called Bernard Uzan’s conception and direction a “triumph.”

“My purpose is not to shock people,” says Uzan. “Here I simply want to show that the quest for Faust doesn’t belong to a specific time; Méphistophélès belongs to no time. The story belongs to humanity. And the way we’re going to do it is to speak more to the preoccupations of today.”

New performance schedule for season 26

Starting in season 26, Austin Lyric Opera performances are scheduled on Thursday night (7:30 p.m.), Saturday night (7:30 p.m.); and Sunday matinee (3 p.m.). All performances take place at The Long Center for the Performing Arts.

Patrons can subscribe to a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday series that includes all three productions of the season. Subscriptions start at $50. As always, subscribers may make exchanges for a different performance day up to 48 hours prior to curtain.

Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci

Saturday, November 10, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 15, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 18, 2012 – 3 p.m.

Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro

Thursday, January 31, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 2, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 3, 2013 – 3 p.m.

Gounod’s Faust

Thursday, April 25, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 – 3 p.m.

Subscription Renewal Information
Subscribers will receive a renewal form in the mail starting Monday, January 16

1. In the theater: subscribers can bring the renewal form to the upcoming Lucia di Lammermoor performances (a renewal table is located in Orchestra Level)
2. Online: visit www.AustinLyricOpera.org
3. By mail: mail the renewal form to Austin Lyric Opera
P.O. box 984, Austin, TX 78767
4. By Fax: fax the renewal form to (512) 477-5415
5. By phone:  call Dianne Van Hulle, Patron Services Manager, at (512) 472-5927

Barton Springs Road Property Sold to Megalomedia for $5.45 million

Austin Lyric Opera has sold its building on Barton Springs Road to Megalomedia Inc. for $5.45 million. Jo Anne Christian, chair of the board of the Austin Lyric Opera, announced that the deal with the Austin-based film and production company closed on Dec. 30, 2011.

“The Opera board began exploring the possibility of selling the building earlier this year,” Christian said. “We are delighted at the price and terms of this sale and thrilled that the deal moved so quickly.”

According to Kevin Smith, interim general director of the Opera, the proceeds of the sale will be ample to lease excellent space for the company and to establish a solid financial foundation to support future opera seasons and opera education programs. “We will spend the first quarter of 2012 locating rehearsal and office space and expect to be settled into new quarters well before summer,” Smith said.

“The gift by the original generous donors to the building’s construction has kept on giving. That original investment has grown exponentially and will permit the Opera to establish a solid financial base for a bright and exciting artistic future,” Ernest Auerbach, board president, said.

Auerbach attributed the speed and efficiency of the sale to Elisabeth Waltz, a board trustee with extensive professional real estate experience, and to Commercial Texas, which represented the opera in the sale. “We are extraordinarily grateful for the invaluable assistance these professionals provided us,” Auerbach said.

The Armstrong Community Music School, which has been a part of the opera family, will become independent and is in discussion with possible merger partners. Auerbach said he expected to be able to give a progress report on those discussions within the next few weeks.

Now in its 25^th Anniversary Season, Austin Lyric Opera was founded in 1986 by Joseph McClain and the late Dr. Walter Ducloux. Austin Lyric Opera, along with the Austin Ballet and Austin Symphony Orchestra, is one of the founding resident companies of The Long Center, Austin’s creative home, where productions continue to be performed.

With a packed house for all three nights, the 25th season was off to a fantastic start this past week. Jeanne Claire van Ryzin at the Austin American-Statesman described our Magic Flute as “a sparkling, joyful performance from start to finish” and Adam Roberts at the Austin Chronicle called it a “stunningly magical evening” and a “true gem of a production.”

A big “Thank You” to everyone! From our fabulous cast and musicians and marvelous production staff to our tremendous fans and wonderful first-timers. You all made our season 25 kick off a very special time!

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Just so everyone knows who was performing at The Long Center!

Morgan and Becka and Meg and Trevor

Megan, Audrey, Page and Holly

Heidi and Kelly

Ian and Ashley

David Adam Moore (Papageno) and Jamie-Rose Guarrine (Papagena). Photo by Mark Matson.

Hannan Alattar (Pamina) and the Three Spirits. Photo by Mark Matson.

James Moellenhoff (Sarastro), Holton Johnson (First Priest) and the men from the ALO Chorus. Photo by Mark Matson.

Juliet Petrus (Queen of the Night). Photo by Mark Matson.

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Important traffic and parking information
The Magic Flute | Saturday, November 5, 2011 | 7:30PM | The Long Center

Patrons attending the opening night performance of The Magic Flute at The Long Center on Saturday, November 5 might experience heavier than usual traffic due to Fun Fun Fun Fest at Auditorium Shores. The Palmer Parking Garage will be held for Austin Lyric Opera parking on this day, but please allow extra time for arrival and parking for the performance.

Call our box office at (512) 472-5992 with questions.

Parking

Valet parking should be accessed from the Keller Williams Circular Drive off Riverside Drive. Self-parking should be accessed from the South Garage Entrance off Barton Springs Road. Find out more about directions and parking.

Excitement is building for the kick off of our 25th Season Anniversary. One more week until opening night of The Magic Flute on November 5.

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Some of the cast of The Magic Flute were out and about in the community, spreading some opera love! Below, soprano Jamie-Rose Guarrine (Papagena) performs at the German Texan Heritage Society Oktoberfest while bass Benjamin LeClair (Second Priest) helps out pianist Cynthia Wilson.

Soprano Sally Wolf (First Lady) and bass Kevin Langan (Speaker), who were in the original 1987 cast of The Magic Flute, joined conductor Richard Buckley at the KMFA studios for an interview with host Dianne Donovan. Tune in on November 2 at 8 p.m. on KMFA 89.5FM.

Rehearsals started October 10 and have been going on almost daily! Here below are Hanan Alattar (Pamina), exclaiming “Love!”, and David Adam Moore (Papageno) in rehearsal.

On Wednesday, October 26, ALO’s Director of Education Margaret Perry once again hosted a Opera on the Town lecture at the popular Chez Zee restaurant. A packed room listened intently to stories about Mozart and the Age of Reason and were treated to performances by special guest artists.

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Austin Lyric Opera (ALO) today announced the appointment of Maestro Richard Buckley as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor.

“I am thrilled to call Austin my home and I am looking forward to deepening my relationship with our orchestra and guest artists, as well as the vibrant Austin music community,” said Maestro Buckley. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and honored that the board has entrusted the artistic future to me.”

“Maestro Buckley has been an integral part of the Austin Lyric Opera family since opening our 18th season with Puccini’s Tosca,” said Jo Anne Christian, Chairman of the Board. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have him in this essential leadership role.”

During his tenure, starting in 2003, Maestro Buckley has brought national attention to the ALO by spearheading a city-wide Shostakovich Festival in 2006, bringing new works into the repertoire including Elektra and Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, as well as producing the American premiere of Glass’ Waiting for the Barbarians.

His upcoming productions include The Magic Flute, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Turandot with Austin Lyric Opera. In addition to his responsibilities with the ALO, Maestro Buckley is an internationally in-demand conductor and he will continue his guest conducting appearances. Maestro Buckley has just returned from Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires conducting Il Trittico. Future engagements include Gianni Schichi and Pagliacci with Cincinnati Opera, Fidelio with Utah Symphony and Opera, Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci with Opera Ottawa, Aida in Edmonton, and Otello in Baltimore.

Mark your calendars for the ALO Guild Wine Dinner and Auction on February 25, 2012

Austin Lyric Opera and the ALO Guild invite you to join us for a wonderful event February 25 at the Four Seasons downtown Austin starting at 6:00 pm with a champagne reception and followed by a four course dinner with wine pairings. A silent and live auction will benefit the Austin Lyric Opera and its educational outreach programs. In honor of our 25th year, we will have surprise guests, live music and exquisite wines to bid on.

Honorary Chair: Gay Ratliff, Founding ALO Board President
Co-chairs: Susan Gatlin and Catherine Wildermuth