UBC OPERA SEASON PHOTO: TIM MATHESON

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1 UBC OPERA SEASON PHOTO: TIM MATHESON OPERA PRODUCTIONS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DAVID SPENCER ENDOWMENT ENCOURAGEMENT FUND AND THE CHAN ENDOWMENT FUND OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

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3 WELCOME It is a great pleasure to present our season to you. In 1954 UBC s administration supported the first Opera Workshop production here at UBC, but with professionals (not students) in the roles. In 1959 the first Opera Program was established. It has been 60 years since the first opera production at UBC and 55 since the creation of the first Opera Program. Now our students (not professionals) are the stars and we hope to delight you with three of the world s most popular operas, and a world premiere of Stephen Chatman and Tara Whohlberg s one act opera, Choir Practice. This season also marks the merging of the UBC Opera and Theatre production seasons. This is unique in the Canadian post-secondary system and has created a deep, rich and fascinating season for our audiences, our students, staff and faculty. We will be continuing our Opera Teas at the Botanical Garden and the Old Auditorium, our wonderful Opera Ball at the Chan Centre, featuring Dal Richards and his orchestra and our latest series of Live Cinema performances of the Royal Opera House season. I hope you will enjoy our talented students in these masterpieces and take part in the wealth of cultural events and the cultural life available at UBC. Enjoy! Welcome back for the Season NANCY HERMISTON, O.C., Head, Voice and Opera Divisions 1

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5 THE BARTERED BRIDE (Prodaná nevěsta) Comic Opera in Three Acts Sung in Czech BEDŘICH SMETANA ( ) Composer KAREL SABINA ( ) Libretto November 13, 14, 15 // 7:30 pm November 16 // 2:00 pm Old Auditorium Regarded as the father of Czech music, Bedřich Smetena s compositions have made a major contribution towards the development of Czech music, portraying the history, legends and landscapes of his native homeland. Though The Bartered Bride was not an immediate success, Smetena revised it in the following four years after its premiere in Prague, and the final version premiered in It gained rapid popularity and eventually became a worldwide operatic standard. By 1909 it had been premiered in Vienna, Chicago, London and New York. The opera depicts real Czech people and real Czech life in that era. It is spring in a Bohemian village and holiday time. The villagers gather to celebrate the festive occasion. It is against this backdrop that the story of love, marriage (arranged and unarranged) is played with a great deal of bargaining on all sides. Relationships and assignations are put to the test against the carnival atmosphere in the village with the inevitable happy ending, although not quite as expected. Norbert Baxa Conductor Nancy Hermiston Director Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra 3

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7 THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (Le Nozze di Figaro) Comic Opera in Four Acts Sung in Italian WOLFANG AMADEUS MOZART ( ) Composer LORENZO DA PONTE ( ) Libretto February 5, 6, 7 // 7:30 pm February 8 // 2:00 pm Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Based on Beaumarchais stage comedy, Le Nozze di Figaro was the first of three collaborations between Da Ponte and Mozart. On May 1, 1786, it had its successful premiere in Vienna. In December of the same year it received its Prague debut. Critics reported a masterpiece, no piece has ever caused such a sensation. This sensation led to the commissioning of another famous Mozart/Da Ponte opera, Don Giovanni, premiering in Prague in Le Nozze di Figaro is regarded as a cornerstone of the standard operatic repertoire, appearing sixth on the list of the most-performed operas worldwide. The story revolves around engaged and soon to be married Figaro and Susanna, servants of the Count and Countess Almaviva. The Count has grown bored with his marriage and looks to re-engage the act of primae noctis, in which he would consummate the marriage on the couple s wedding night. Through Susanna s, Figaro s, and the Countess s clever manipulations that right is never restored, and the Count s love for his Countess is finally rekindled. Adding to the confusion, stress and the fun are an amorous teenager, a scheming old maid, a drunken gardener, and a silly young girl. Much happens on a single folle journée a crazy day. Neil Varon Conductor Nancy Hermiston Director UBC Symphony Orchestra 5

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9 LA TRAVIATA Opera in Three Acts Sung in Italian GIUSEEPPE VERDI ( ) Composer FRANCESCO MARIA PIAVE ( ) Libretto June 20*, 25, 26, 27 // 7:30 pm June 21*, 28 // 2:00 pm Old Auditorium Verdi s La Traviata was not an immediate success at its premiere. Verdi wrote: La traviata last night was a failure. Was the fault mine or the singers? Time will tell. Today, it is in first place on the Operabase list of the most-performed operas worldwide. The famous courtesan, Violetta, mistress of a wealthy Baron, hosts a lavish party to celebrate her improved health after suffering with tuberculosis. There she meets Alfredo. He, Violetta and the guests join in the famous Drinking Song. After Alfredo s ardent pleading, Violetta succumbs to what she knows, is a hopeless love. She leaves the Baron and moves to a secluded country villa with Alfredo. Unbeknownst to Alfredo, his father, Germont, convinces Violetta that continuing her relationship with his son will prevent Alfredo s sister from a good marriage. With great sadness, Violetta decides that she must sacrifice her love for Alfredo and returns to the Baron. Misunderstanding her motives, Alfredo goes into a jealous rage that leads to tragic consequences. An opera filled with lavish parties, true love, deceit, and heartbreak; La Traviata unveils an unforgiving world of morality and hypocrisy. Violetta passionately exclaims, Even when God has forgiven you, mankind is relentless. You are condemned forever. David Agler Conductor Nancy Hermiston Director Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra *Our additional performance dates for La Traviata (June 20 and 21) are outside of our subscription series date range. After you have purchased your season subscription you can exchange out of your packaged dates to one of these added performance dates once you have received your tickets in the mail. 7

10 World Premiere CHOIR PRACTICE Comic Opera in One Act Sung in English STEPHEN CHATMAN (b. 1950) Composer TARA WOHLBERG (b. 1967) Lyricist MAY 8, 9 // 7:30 pm Old Auditorium Welcome to choir night at a community hall in Vancouver, circa Corey, the stuttering tenor, arrives for his entrance audition and Marilyn declares her infatuation with him. Willie, the directorcum-womanizer, is frustrated by interruptions of a clown, a belly dancer, a diva, and even an Angry Man. His attempts to conduct this hodgepodge of characters are a total failure. Wannabe leading ladies compete for the solo by engaging in insults and vocal duels could their mutual hatred actually culminate in murder? Can a blind woman lead this discouraged choir into a world of light and transformation? Perhaps Corey will realize that Marilyn is the girl of his dreams and burst into a come hither song of seduction, Hanky Panky. Laugh your way through an hour of slapstick innuendo written by Tara Wohlberg and the eclectic music of multi-award winning composer, Stephen Chatman. Jonathan Girard Conductor Nancy Hermiston Director Members of the UBC Symphony Orchestra 8

11 MANON LESCAUT GIACOMO PUCCINI SEPT 18, 6PM / SEPT 20, 10AM I DUE FOSCARI GIUSEPPE VERDI NOV 27, 6PM / NOV 29, 10AM L ELISIR D AMORE DOMENICO DONIZETTI JAN 8, 6PM / JAN 10, 10AM ANDREA CHÉNIER UMBERTO GIORDANO MARCH 12, 6PM / MARCH 14, 10AM DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER RICHARD WAGNER MARCH 26, 6PM / MARCH 28, 10AM RISE AND FALL OF THE CITY OF MAHAGONNY KURT WEILL MAY 14, 6PM / MAY 16, 10AM All performances take place in the Old Auditorium on the UBC Campus

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13 OPERA TEA SERIES AN AFTERNOON CLASSIC AND PERENNIAL FAVOURITE September 21+ October 26, 2014 // April 12, :00 pm // UBC Botanical Garden November 30, 2014 // January 11 + March 15, :00 pm // Old Auditorium Opera Teas bring you closer to the performers on stage. Enjoy a concert of opera arias and song favourites in a casual setting in our theatre or in the UBC Botanical Garden. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are served. OPERA BALL FUNDRAISER FEATURING THE DAL RICHARDS ORCHESTRA March 19 + March 20, 2015 // 7:00 pm // Chan Centre Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner on the stage of the Chan Centre with serenades from our young stars. Cap off the evening with an incredible night of dancing to the fantastic music of the legendary Dal Richards and his orchestra. Tickets must be purchased in advance and include a $100 tax receipt. 11

14 OPERA + THEATRE We re delighted to announce that the Department of Theatre and Film and the School of Music s Opera Program will be merging our production seasons starting in the fall of This merger is a landmark event for both programs; Opera and Theatre at UBC have enjoyed an informal association since the 1960s, and this new formal alliance of our production areas has been developing since the founding of the UBC Opera ensemble by Professor Nancy Hermiston in The combined Opera and Theatre season of shows will be unique among Canadian post-secondary programs, an unparalleled training environment for student performers, directors, designers, and technicians, as well as a marvelous expansion of the opportunities to enjoy great live events on the UBC Vancouver campus. We not only present this wonderful combined season of live performances, but we ll also, for the first time in our history, be premiering an original film created entirely by students, Naked Cinema, which will be ushered to the screen by award winning filmmaking collaborators Bruce Sweeney and UBC Associate Professor Tom Scholte. Our new subscription packages and extra events will be available to you online by July 30. Please join us to experience the exciting work of our next generation of theatre, opera and film artists. ROBERT GARDINER, Professor & Acting Head UBC Department of Theatre and Film 12

15 UBC THEATRE SEASON 2014/15 theatre TWELFTH NIGHT SEPT 25 OCT 11, 2014 by William Shakespeare FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE film NAKED CINEMA JANUARY 26 & 27, 2015 original collective creations NORM THEATRE theatre THE BACCHAE 2.1 JAN 22 FEB 7, 2015 by Euripides, adapted by Charles Mee FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE theatre musical THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE MAR 19 APR 4, 2015 book: James Magruder, music: Jeffrey Stock, lyrics: Susan Birkenhead FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE Subscription packages from $33 / Flexible options available online! BOX OFFICE:

16 TICKET NITTY-GRITTY Single tickets go on sale in September. Subscriptions are now available. Buy tickets for the Old Auditorium online at by phone , or in person at the Old Auditorium box office. Buy tickets for the Chan Centre online at by phone at or in person at the Chan Centre box office (fees may apply). CHAN CENTRE: 6265 Crescent Road OLD AUDITORIUM: 6344 Memorial Road (across the plaza from the UBC Music Building) Single Ticket MAIN OPERAS Subscription (3 operas) ROYAL OPERA HOUSE Single Ticket Subscription (6 operas) OPERA TEA OPERA BALL ADULT $37 $90 $22 $105 $22 $150 SENIOR $27 $63 $20 $96 $17 (includes STUDENT a $100 tax $15/ $42 $18 $87 $15 receipt) $20 Please note that UBC students are $15.00, Non UBC students $20.00 Season subscribers can purchase tickets for the Opera Tea for $15.00 each. TICKETS HOTLINE: TICKETS ONLINE: SUPPORT US We provide the best platform for young opera performers in Canada. Your gift is an investment in our young artists. It is your way to make a positive difference now and leave a lasting legacy. Contact us to discover the different ways you can get involved. 14

17 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE THURSDAY 7:30 PM FRIDAY 7:30 PM SATURDAY 7:30 PM SUNDAY 2:00 PM The Bartered Bride Nov 13 Nov 14 Nov 15 Nov 16 The Marriage of Figaro Feb 5 Feb 6 Feb 7 Feb 8 La Traviata June 25 June 26 June 27 June 28 SUBSCRIPTION PRICE QUANTITY TOTALS Adult $90 x = Senior (65+) $63 x = Student $42 x = STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SEATS CHAN CENTRE check your preferred seating areas Section A Section B KEEP MY SEATS 1 H Accessible Seating Available OLD AUDITORIUM check your preferred seating areas Section A Section B KEEP MY SEATS 1 H Accessible Seating Available Main Floor Lower Balconies STEP 3: ADD ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE CINEMA THUR 6:00 PM SAT 10:00 AM Main Floor and Balcony [B4] Manon Lescaut Sept 18 Sept 20 I Due Foscari Nov 27 Nov 29 L elisir d amore Jan 8 Jan 10 Andrea Chénier Mar 12 Mar 14 Der Fliegender Holländer Mar 26 Mar 28 Rise and Fall of the City Of Mahagonny May 14 May 16 OLD AUDITORIUM check your preferred seating areas Section A Section B H Accessible Seating Available Main Floor and Balcony [B4] INDIVIDUAL TICKETS PRICE QUANTITY TOTALS Adult $22 x = Senior (65+) $20 x = Student $18 x = SUBSCRIPTION TO ALL 6 OPERAS SAVE 20% PRICE QUANTITY TOTALS Adult $105 x = Senior (65+) $96 x = Student $87 x = 15

18 STEP 4: ADD-ONS Subscribers have the opportunity to add individual tickets for the Opera Tea Series performances to their subscription for only $15 each! Or add an evening of delicious cuisine and dancing at the Opera Ball featuring the Dal Richards Orchestra, or attend the world premiere of Stephen Chatman s one act comic opera Choir Practice. Opera Tea in the Garden Sept 21 Oct 26 April 12 Opera Tea on the Stage Nov 30 Jan 11 Mar 15 Opera Ball Mar 19 Mar 20 Choir Practice May 8 May 9 PRICE QUANTITY TOTALS Opera Tea $15 x = Opera Ball $150 x = Choir Practice $15 x = ADD UBC THEATRE TICKETS AT SPECIAL RATES Twelfth Night Sept 25 Oct 11, 2014 Preferred Date* *No performance Sept 28, 29, 30 and Oct 5, 6, 7 Naked Cinema** Jan 26 & 27, 2015 Preferred Date The Bacchae 2.1 Jan 22 Feb 7, 2015 Preferred Date* *No performance Jan 25, 26, 27 and Feb 1, 2, 3 The Triumph of Love March 19 April 4, 2015 Preferred Date* *No performance March 22, 23, 24 and March 29, 30, 31 PRICE QUANTITY TOTALS Adult $18 x = Senior (65+) $14 x = Student $8 x = **Naked Cinema $9 x = STEP 5: CONTACT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION Name Address City Prov Postal Code Phone Yes! I would like to add a tax-deductible donation to the UBC Opera Ensemble 16 Method of payment: VISA MasterCard Cheque GRAND TOTAL Name as it appears on Credit Card Credit Card Number 3-digit CVC code Expiry Date (mm/yy) Prices include all applicable taxes and fees. Prices subject to change. All purchases are non-refundable and nontransferable. All purchased are subject to our ticket policy and privacy policy. For credit card transactions, a separate total for UBC Theatre tickets will appear on your statement. All totals will display as UBC E-Payment.

19 BRING YOUR GROUP Bring your group for a memorable and affordable opera experience. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Discounted school group rates are also available. Please contact UBC Opera at for more information. PARKING AT UBC For performances in the Old Auditorium, 24-hour secure parking is available at the Fraser River Parkade, a short 2 minute walk from the theatre. The Armories Parking Lot adjacent to UBC Music Building is open to the public after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. For performances in the Chan Centre, event parking is adjacent to the venue at the Rose Garden Parkade. CONNECT WITH UBC OPERA CALL (box office) (administration) FAX MAIL UBC School of Music Attn: UBC Opera 6361 Memorial Road Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z2 WEB (blog) info@ubcopera.com 17

20 PHOTO: TIM MATHESON UBC School of Music 6361 Memorial Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z DESIGN: MILES LINKLATER,