Opera Colorado Announces 'Don Pasquale'

Samuel Ramey was originally slated to sing the title role and has decided to cancel his commitment. In a statement from his management, he explains that while he was looking forward to working with Opera Colorado on this production he feels that due to his hectic performance schedule this year, it is not the appropriate time to take on a new role. Replacing him for all five performances will be basso buffo Kevin Glavin. Known for his impeccable timing, dynamic stage presence and powerful voice, Kevin Glavin is consistently hailed by the critical media as one of today's premiere basso buffo artists. He has performed at numerous prominent opera houses and his repertoire features the farcical roles of Don Pasquale, Leporello, Bartolo, Mustafá, and Don Magnifico.

Opera Colorado Executive Director Greg Carpenter states "While we are disappointed that we will not have Mr. Ramey on our stage, I am more than confident that audiences will truly enjoy Kevin Glavin – we couldn't have asked for a more ideal replacement. He has performed the role numerous times and has even performed in this staging. We feel very fortunate that he was available to join our cast on such short notice."

Debuted in 1843, Donizetti's Don Pasquale is a prime example of an opera buffa. The storyline comes straight from commedia dell'arte: two lovers are prevented from marrying by an elder and ask a close friend for help to get what they want. The libretto is in Italian and features protagonists that the audience can not only easily relate to, but characters that are lifted directly from commedia dell'arte. In the plot, Don Pasquale's nephew, Ernesto, refuses to marry the woman his uncle has selected for him, choosing instead the poor widow Norina. Don Pasquale decides to marry and disinherit his nephew, leading to a comedy of errors as Ernesto and Norina trick the Don into letting them marry.

Don Pasquale will feature basso buffo Kevin Glavin* (San Francisco Opera, New York City Opera, Washington National Opera) in his company debut as the bachelor Don Pasquale. The spirited young widow Norina will be sung by soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian* (Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera - Covent Garden) and her lover and the Don's nephew, Ernesto, will be performed by tenor Norman Reinhardt (The Magic Flute, 2006). The young lovers' friend, the scheming Doctor Malatesta, will be sung by baritone Christopher Feigum (Il Barbiere di Siviglia, 2004).

Acclaimed director David Gately (Glimmerglass Opera, The Dallas Opera) will direct this popular production which was created for the San Diego Opera. The sets were created by Emmy Award-winner Tony Fanning, who has designed for films including Forrest Gump, Spider-Man, and Munich. Costumes were designed by Helen E. Rodgers* (New York City Opera, Wolf Trap Opera). Maestro Stephen Lord (La Traviata, 2007; Norma, 2006; Carmen, 2005), who was recently named one of the top 25 opera artists by Opera News, will conduct. Opera Colorado is proud to feature the Opera Colorado Chorus. The orchestra for Don Pasquale is made possible by the Colorado Symphony Association and the Denver Musicians Association, Local 20-623. -- www.operacolorado.org