FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2012
CONTACT: Julia Sheridan, 503-295-3508
PORTLAND OPERA’S UPCOMING PRODUCTION OF
GALILEO GALILEI
TO BE COMMERCIALLY RECORDED
Orange Mountain Music to make the first-ever commercial recording of
Philip Glass’ 2002 opera, Galileo Galilei
Portland, Ore. – Portland Opera has announced plans to record their upcoming production of the west coast premiere of Philip Glass’ Galileo Galilei. The second commercial recording for Portland Opera—and its first 21st century opera—it follows the Company’s historic recording of Philip Glass’ Orphée in 2009; a recording voted “Ten Best of the Year” by Opera News.
Portland Opera now turns from the full-scale drama of Orphée to the intimacy of Galileo Galilei—a chamber opera for nine singers and 15 instrumentalists. Composed in 2002, it is Glass’ 18th opera with a libretto by the noted American writer and director Mary Zimmerman. Based on the life of the Italian astronomer, Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), it’s presented in one act consisting of 10 scenes without a break.
“Orphée was a wonderful experience and a highlight in Portland Opera’s 47-year history,” said Portland Opera General Director Christopher Mattaliano. “Having Philip Glass here energized both the Company and the community.”
(Portland, Ore.) – Portland Opera opens Verdi’s comedic masterpiece, Falstaff, on May 10 at Keller Auditorium with additional performances on May 12, 16 and 18. Christopher Mattaliano’s rollicking productioncloses a season called “Larger Than Life” with opera’s largest and most full of life character — Falstaff — who famously declared that “he who laughs last, laughs best.” Together, Verdi’s legendary sense of theater and Falstaff’s legendary lust for life guarantee an evening full of merriment and one perfect for both the seasoned and new operagoer.
(Portland, Ore) – Portland Opera continues its 2012/13 Season—Larger Than Life—with Puccini’s Tosca featuring the Company debut of American soprano Kara Shay Thomson in the title role and returning Canadian tenor Roger Honeywell as Cavaradossi. Tosca runs for four performances February 1, 3m, 7, 9, 2013. Last produced at Portland Opera in 2005, the opera is presented in a beautiful, classic production critics called “a Tosca to remember.”