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Contact: Chris Guerre, (703) 255-4096 or chrisg@wolftrap.org
Graham Binder, (703) 255-1917 or grahamb@wolftrap.org

Vienna, VA—The Wolf Trap Opera Company, one of our nation’s most highly regarded Opera residency programs, proudly premieres two new, full-scale productions this summer at The Barns at Wolf Trap of operas by Mozart and Monteverdi, and a special multimedia concert presentation of La bohème with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Filene Center.

Performances include a new production of Mozart’s Così fan tutte, (The School for Lovers,) a comedic look at relationships in a classic conflict between the sexes, and a new production of Monteverdi’s The Return of Ulysses, a musical retelling of Homer’s Odyssey in one of the earliest operas ever written. In addition, the Company presents a now-traditional collaborative concert production—this year, of Puccini’s La bohème—with the National Symphony Orchestra on the Filene Center stage at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts; and two recitals at The Barns at Wolf Trap under the artistic direction of Steven Blier.

Principal roles in the Company’s productions will be performed by the 15 singers selected as the Wolf Trap Opera Company’s 2009 ensemble of Filene Young Artists. These emerging professional singers were chosen from more than 800 applicants by Kim Pensinger Witman, Director, Wolf Trap Opera and Classical Programming. The 2008 Wolf Trap Opera Company Filene Young Artists are: Paul Appleby, tenor; Dominic Armstrong, tenor; Jamie Barton, mezzo-soprano; Daniel Billings, baritone; Alicia Gianni, soprano; Jamie Van Eyck, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Hanscom, baritone; Rena Harms, soprano; Nicholas Masters, bass; Carlos Monzón, bass; Hana Park, soprano; Ava Pine, soprano; David Portillo, tenor; Chad Sloan, baritone; and Diego Torre, tenor.

Established in 1971, the Wolf Trap Opera Company continues to earn national and international recognition for its mission to discover and encourage outstanding emerging talent in the opera field, serving singers of exceptional achievement and potential who are ready to make the transition to full-time professional careers. The Company’s repertoire is chosen following the national audition process in order to showcase the particular strengths of the ensemble. In addition to the young professional singers, the company also features the work of emerging designers, directors, and conductors; and provides opportunities for aspiring stage managers, administrators, coaches, and technical theatre professionals.

This year also marks the third season for the Wolf Trap Opera Studio, a performance training program created for undergraduate singers. Studio artists will take classes, perform chorus roles and small parts in WTOC productions, and present a scenes program at the conclusion of their residency.

The Wolf Trap Opera Company’s 2009 Season

Così fan tutte

The School for Lovers

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A New Production at The Barns at Wolf Trap

Three Performances: June 26 and 30 at 8 pm, June 28 at 3 pm

(In Italian with English supertitles)

Tickets $34 to $68

This summer, the Wolf Trap Opera Company presents a new production of Così fan tutte, a classic Mozart comedy that addresses the issues of infidelity and trust often inherent in romantic relationships between members of the opposite sex. Written in 1790, this tale of fickle love features a modern day take of a timeless subject, with entertaining characters and endless cat-and-mouse games designed to test romantic loyalty. This new production is directed by Eric Einhorn and conducted by Timothy A. Myers.

The Return of Ulysses

Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria

Claudio Monteverdi

A New Production at The Barns at Wolf Trap

Three Performances: July 24 and 28 at 8 pm, July 26 at 3 pm

(In Italian with English supertitles)

Tickets $34 to $68

The Return of Ulysses is based on the final part of Homer’s Odyssey set in the time period directly after the events of the Trojan War. One of the first operas ever written, Ulysses explores the themes of lost love and fidelity and culminates in a fateful contest for the hand of Ulysses’ wife Penelope, who has fought off a succession of male suitors in the 20 years since the conflict’s beginning. This production features an ensemble effort, with many Filene Young Artists doubling up in roles as deities and humans alike. The new production is directed by James Marvel and conducted by Gary Thor Wedow.

Ticket holders to Così fan tutte and The Return of Ulysses are invited to a free Inside the Opera pre-show talk at the Center for Education at Wolf Trap, next door to The Barns, one hour prior to each performance.

Puccini’s La bohème in Concert

With the National Symphony Orchestra

Stephen Lord, conductor

The Filene Center at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
One Performance: August 7 at 8:15 pm

(In Italian with English supertitles)

Tickets $10 to $60

Conductor Stephen Lord and the National Symphony Orchestra thrill audiences on the big stage once again in Giacomo Puccini’s tale of love, abandonment, and loss, La bohème. Making its highly anticipated return to The Filene Center stage, La bohème will be presented in an enhanced concert staging.

Wolf Trap Opera in Recital

With Steven Blier, pianist and host

Road Trip!

The Barns at Wolf Trap

Single Performance: June 6 at 8 pm

Tickets are $38

Raconteur and pianist Steven Blier and singers of the Wolf Trap Opera Company take a coast-to-coast musical tour of America. This gasoline-free road trip will stop in New England, New York, the Shenandoah Mountains, the Wild West, and will culminate—naturally—in Hollywood!

The Pursuit of Love

The Barns at Wolf Trap
Single Performance: August 1 at 8 pm

Tickets are $38

Raconteur and pianist Steven Blier and singers of the Wolf Trap Opera Company offer an evening of songs, duets, and ensembles glorifying the pursuit—and attainment—of love.

Tickets for Wolf Trap Opera Company performances can be purchased at the Wolf Trap Box Office located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts at 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia; by calling 1(877) WOLFTRAP; or online at www.wolftrap.org. For more information, call Wolf Trap at (703) 255-1868.

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