Opera 101 Series Begins January 9, 2007

The presenting partners of the popular Opera 101 series are pleased to announce the 2007 schedule of events, beginning with a preview lecture on Opera Colorado's upcoming production of The Elixir of Love on January 9. This is the sixth consecutive year of Opera 101, the informative and entertaining lecture series co-presented by Opera Colorado, Central City Opera, Denver Public Library and Colorado Public Radio.

These free programs offer overviews of upcoming opera productions, previewing the plots, musical highlights and the history behind the operas themselves. The program is free and takes place at 6:00 p.m. at the Denver Central Library located at Broadway & 14th Ave. Parkway. All attendees may enter a drawing to win two free tickets to a performance of The Elixir of Love.

Opera Colorado's President and General Director Peter Russell will deliver an insightful lecture on Donizetti's romantic comedy which runs for five performances February 9 through 18 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

Russell will discuss Donizetti's background and the influences on the piece, one of the most frequently performed of all Donizetti's operas, as well as providing a light synopsis of the humorous plot. His lecture will also delve into production highlights for the updated staging, moving the action from Italy to middle-America at a county fair in the 1910's. Featured excerpts from The Elixir of Love including "Chiedi all'aura lusinghiera", "Come Paride vezzoso", and "Una Furtiva Lagrima" will be performed by Opera Colorado Ensemble members Sangeetha Appavoo as Adina, Chester Pidduck as Nemorino, and Gregory Bruce as Belcore. Chris Thompson will provide piano accompaniment.

Upcoming OPERA 101 Dates:

Tuesday, January 9: The Elixir of Love, Opera Colorado
Tuesday, February 27: Cinderella, Central City Opera
Tuesday, March 13: La Traviata, Central City Opera / Un ballo in maschera, Opera Colorado
Wednesday, April 4: The Saint of Bleecker Street and Poet Li Bai, Central City Opera

By www.operacolorado.org