SAN ANTONIO ANNOUNCES 2007-08 SEASON AND SPECIAL PRE-SEASON CONCERT WITH TENOR SUPERSTAR  PLACIDO DOMINGO

Highlights include Pre-Season Concert with opera superstar Placido Domingo, Mexico’s great tenor Jorge Lopez-Yanez to star in La Boheme, Hollywood legend Garry Marshall to stage direct Elixir of Love andCarter Scott cast in coveted role of Tosca.

(SAN ANTONIO – Mar. 1, 2007) –San Antonio Opera announces Placido Domingo in Concert, and its 2007-08 season, to be presented at the Lila Cockrell Theater: Puccini’s La Boheme, Donizetti’s Elixir of Love, and Puccini’s Tosca.  Principals include three internationally-renowned sopranos: Angela Fout, Elizabeth Caballero and Carter Scott in their company debuts.  Others company debuts include, Luis Ledesma as Scarpia (Tosca), Don Bernandini as Cavaradossi (Tosca), Jorge Lopez-Yanez as Rodolfo (Boheme), Levi Hernandez as Marcello (Boheme), Scott Ramsay as Nemorino (Elixir) and Daniel Sutin as Belcore (Elixir).  Returning artists include Jane Redding as Musetta (Boheme), Constantinos Yiannoudes as Schaunard (Boheme), David Ward as Benoit/Alcindoro (Boheme), Christopher Dickerson as Colline (Boheme), Carlos Conde as Dr. Dulcamara (Elixir), Katherine Watson as Gianetta (Elixir), Scott Sikon as Sacristan (Tosca).

Also making their San Antonio Opera debut are conductors Enrique Patron de Rueda, Artistic Director of Mexico’s famous Bellas Artes conducting La Boheme and Jerome Shannon, Principal Conductor for Mobile Opera and Pensacola Opera conducting Tosca.  Returning guest conductor Francis Graffeo will conduct Elixir of Love. 

Two newcomers will make their debut with the company stage directing La Boheme and Elixir of Love.  Renowned stage director Dorothy Danner will make her debut in San Antonio as will Hollywood legend Garry Marshall.  Mr. Marshall is responsible for the creation of some of televisions most popular sitcoms, including Happy Days and The Odd Couple.  As a movie director, his credits include Pretty Woman, Beaches, Runaway Bride and many others.  As an actor he was most recently seen starring in Keeping up with the Steins.  Mr. Marshall brings his comedic expertise to Elixir of Love.  John Gillas will return to stage the last opera of the season, Tosca.

Says General & Artistic Director Mark A. Richter, “This is by far the biggest and boldest season in our company’s history.  We are excited about celebrating Puccini’s 150th birthday by presenting two of his most prolific works and in bringing a legendary director of the most popular medium of entertainment to direct Elixir of Love.  Of course, presenting one of the greatest tenors in the history of music Placido Domingo to our city is by far the most wonderful news of all.” 

All sets for the 2007-2008 will be rented from New Orleans Opera, each opulent and lavish in detail and design.  The San Antonio Opera chorus, led by Chorus Master Billy Wayne Craven will be increased with the addition of professional singers joining its ranks. 

Underwriters for the Placido Domingo Concert and the 2007-2008 Season include, AT&T Foundation, The Tobin Endowment, Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts, The Ewing Halsell Foundation, The Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, H-E-B, Charles Schwab, San Antonio Express News, Creative Civilization, City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, County of Bexar, University of the Incarnate Word and The Capital Group.

The San Antonio Opera is governed by a 30-person Board of Directors led by Bruce Johnson, President.  San Antonio Opera was founded in 1997 by the company’s General & Artistic Director Mark A. Richter.  Each season features 3 major operatic works each having 3 performances.  The company casts international opera talent from around the world, focusing on the brightest Latino voices in the industry.  Led by Concert Master Craig Sorgi, the 36-42 piece San Antonio Opera Orchestra continues its sterling reputation of providing top rate accompaniment for each opera.  Each opera will be sung in their original language and will have an English translation above the stage.

The 2007-2008 season tickets will be available for purchase on March 10, 2007.  Season ticket prices range from $55.00 to $250.00 for all 3 operas.  Tickets for Placido Domingo in Concert will go on sale to the general public on March 26 and range from $25.00 to $250.00.  Season tickets can be purchased by calling the San Antonio Opera Box Office at 210-225-5972.  Placido Domingo in Concert tickets may be purchased through TICKETMASTER, 224-9600, Alamodome Box Office, or by calling 225-5972.  Patrons may request a brochure by calling 210-225-5972, or by e-mailing info@saopera.com.  Other information can be viewed at saopera.com.

La Boheme.  Arguably the world’s most popular opera, you’ll recognize Puccini’s melodies instantly.  The exquisite, tuneful music and the story of the young bohemians who sacrifice everything for love and art will simply carry you away.  The music can be heard throughout the entire movie blockbuster Moonstruck.

Elixir of Love.This hilarious opera will have you under its spell! A young man, with nothing to his name, falls in love with a rich and beautiful woman. Will a con artist's "magic elixir" be enough to win her affections? Or will true love need to work its magic?

Tosca.   Thrilling audiences with its glorious music, Puccini's masterpiece tells the story of Tosca, the legendary diva, who fights to save her lover in a gripping tale of political turmoil and human passion. One of the most powerful and most performed operas in the repertoire.