Media Releases

For Immediate Release September 27, 2011
Media Contact Jelena Bojic, Director of Marketing & Communications
780.392.7837 | jelena.bojic@edmontonopera.com

Cavalleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci

Cavalleria Rusticana is a tale of jealousy, seduction and unrequited love. When Turiddu returns from military duty, he discovers his fiancée Lola, betrothed to another. The young villager takes revenge in the arms of a new lover and igniting the spark of a tragic chain of events. A tragedy of fiery passion and cold-blooded betrayal is experienced in this timeless Sicilian story of love and honour, justice and violence.

I Pagliacci, Leoncavallo’s “play within an opera”, unmasks the tragic side of comedy. Canio, tortured by his wife’s rumored betrayal, faces despair when he is confronted with the reality of his situation. Aware that “the show must go on” as Canio continues to take the stage, laughing through his tears and entertaining audiences with his astonishing comedic “authenticity.” As the performance progresses, Canio’s emotions take control and the clown’s final performance spirals out of control.

Canadian Director, Valerie Kuinka makes her Edmonton Opera debut with Cavalleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci. Valerie brings a wealth of experience and unique creativity to her work, having worked within the realm of alternative multi-disciplinary theatre to grand opera.

We are thrilled to have Richard Margison (Canio/Turiddu) back in Edmonton, performing with baritone Gregory Dahl (Tonio/Alfio), and Alberta-born soprano Laura Whalen (Nedda). Dana Beth Miller (Santuzza) and Mia Lennox-Williams (Lola) are both making their Edmonton Opera debut. Aaron St. Clair Nicholson (Silvio), Lynne McMurtry (Mama Lucia), Mia Lennox-Williams (Lola),Edmonton’s Robert Clark (Beppe) join Conductor Tyrone Paterson and Director Valerie Kuinka for the 2011/2012 season opening production. The Edmonton Opera Chorus and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra lend their talents to this much-loved production.

Edmonton Opera Dress Rehearsal Media Call will be held on Thursday October 20, 2011 at 7 pm. Photos of lead singers will be ready by October 6, 2011 please contact us if interested in receiving one.

Edmonton Opera will be presenting Cavalleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on Saturday October 22nd, Tuesday October 25th and Thursday October 27th. For more information please visit www.edmontonopera.com or call 780.424.4040.

Edmonton Opera is dedicated to producing world class performances that bring the magic and power of opera to our community. Our purpose and vision is to present opera that excites and inspires – you, the audience; our supporters and partners in the community – individuals, corporate and government. For the last 48 years Edmonton Opera has given voice to opera in the community and throughout northern Alberta. It is the 4th largest opera company in Canada and the oldest, largest, year round opera company in the Prairie Provinces.