"We are absolutely thrilled to be able to present this professional Canadian premiere, and to have one of the original cast members in attendance on opening night, "says Bob McPhee, General Director & CEO. "The boom-bust storyline of this opera will resonate with many Calgarians, and will provide the theme of our third annual Community Symposium, a series of public events leading up to the opening night performance."

The Canadian premiere is conducted by Hal France, Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic, with stage direction by Kelly Robinson, who last directed Frobisher in 2007. In a casting change due to illness the title role of Baby Doe will be sung by Soprano Tracy Dahl, after her stunning performance as Gilda in this season's opening production of Rigoletto.

She will be joined on stage by Baritone John Fanning, who last season created the role of Frobisher, as Horace Tabor. Also appearing are Mezzo-Soprano Elizabeth Turnbull (Frobisher, 2007) as Augusta Tabor, Baritone John Avey (Turandot, 2005) as Wm. Jennings Bryan, and the eight young singers in the Emerging Artist Development Program, who perform the small roles as well as covering the lead roles. Alongisde the Calgary Opera Chorus led by Chorusmaster Sandra Atkinson, The Cantaré Children's Choir will also perform. Lighting Design is by renowned designer Harry Frehner. -- www.calgaryopera.com