Nixon in China had its world premiere at Houston Grand Opera in 1987, followed quickly by performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Netherlands Opera. One of the major operas of the 20th century, Nixon in China has spawned numerous productions that have been received all over the world, and, along with Philip Glass’s Einstein on the Beach, is considered one of the cornerstones of American Minimalist music.
The COC premiere of Nixon in China brings together several cast members who have appeared in this production since its first staging at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 2004. Hailed by critics in his “sensational portrayal of Richard Nixon” (Houston Chronicle) is leading American baritone Robert Orth, last seen with the COC in 1990’s The Barber of Seville, and American soprano Maria Kanyova revisits her critically-acclaimed role as Pat Nixon in her COC debut. New to this production, and the COC, is British tenor Adrian Thompson as Chairman Mao, who previously sang this role with English National Opera. Baritone Chen-Ye Yuan appears with the COC for the first time, revisiting the role of Premier Chou En-lai. American bass-baritone Thomas Hammons makes his COC debut portraying Nixon’s diplomatic advisor Henry Kissinger, a role he created for the opera’s world premiere, and subsequently performed in Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt and Los Angeles. Making her COC and role debut as Madame Mao is American soprano Marisol Montalvo, whose stage and vocal presence has made her a regular performer with many of the world’s finest opera houses.
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Toronto, Ontario – A defining moment in modern-day history takes centre stage this winter with the Canadian Opera Company premiere of John Adams' Nixon in China. Richard Nixon's historic five-day trip to China in 1972 was a media phenomenon viewed simultaneously by millions at home on their television sets. Adams' unique lyrical score for Nixon in China intertwines occasions of grand, public spectacle with moments of quiet, private reflection to transform a political event into a story with universal appeal and significance. American James Robinson returns to the COC to direct this highly-lauded and widely-seen production with award-winning Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado making his Canadian debut leading the COC Orchestra and Chorus. Sung in English with English SURTITLES™, Nixon in China runs for eight performances on Feb. 5, 9, 11, 13, 19, 22, 24 and 26, 2011.
Nixon in China had its world premiere at Houston Grand Opera in 1987, followed quickly by performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Netherlands Opera. One of the major operas of the 20th century, Nixon in China has spawned numerous productions that have been received all over the world, and, along with Philip Glass's Einstein on the Beach, is considered one of the cornerstones of American Minimalist music.
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Toronto, Ontario – The Canadian Opera Company's 61st season continues this winter with a new COC production of Mozart's mystical and beloved fairytale, The Magic Flute. COC Music Director Johannes Debusconducts this timeless masterpiece and Tony Award®-nominated director Diane Paulus makes her COC debut with this playful production for all ages. The Magic Flute also features Canadian opera stars Michael Schadeand Isabel Bayrakdarian, singing together at the COC for the first time, in the roles of Mozart's star-crossed lovers Tamino and Pamina. The Magic Flute is sung in German with English SURTITLES™, and runs for 12 performances on Jan. 29, Feb. 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20, 23, and 25, 2011.
A humorous, sometimes profound, exploration of the trials of growing up, seeking ideals and finding love,The Magic Flute follows the adventures of Prince Tamino as he undergoes feats of heroism to rescue his love, Pamina, from the forces of evil. Joining Tamino on his journey is the comic birdcatcher Papageno, who dreams of one day finding his own sweetheart. The Magic Flute was an immediate hit when it debuted in 1791, with nearly 100 performances taking place in the first year after its premiere, and has been an audience favourite ever since. The opera's eternal appeal can be attributed to the music as The Magic Flutefeatures some of Mozart’s most beautiful and purely infectious melodies.