LIVERMORE, CALIF. – The Tri-Valley’s own professional opera company, the Livermore Valley Opera, announces its 25th Silver Jubilee season featuring two fully-staged operas at the Bankhead Theater and special celebratory events. LVO’s 2016-2017 season details are as follows:

The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner

  • September 24, 2016; 7:30pm, Opening night
  • September 25, 2016; 2pm
  • October 1, 2016; 7:30pm
  • October 2, 2016;  2pm
  • Opening Night Gala celebration dinner at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard, 4:00pm. (Separate ticket purchase required.)

The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  • March 11, 2017; 7:30pm, Opening night
  • March 12, 2017; 2pm
  • March 18, 2017; 7:30pm
  • March 19, 2017; 2pm
  • Opening Night Gala celebration dinner at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard, 4:00pm. (Separate ticket purchase required.)

LVO’s anniversary season opens with a “first” for the company with Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, a commanding opera of dramatic music, large sets and numerous chorus members that typically is performed in large opera houses.  But with the Bankhead Theater’s state-of-the-art design coupled with Music Conductor and Artistic Director Alexander Katsman and stage direction by Olivia Stapp, audiences will experience this famous Wagner opera as if sitting in a grand opera house.

The well-known tale is of a ghost ship sailing the seas for all eternity with its cursed crew.  The Dutchman can only set foot on land every seven years to search for a bride who can end the curse and bring him peace. (This story was also the basis for one of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean episodes.)  The story takes places in a small Norwegian fishing village where the Dutchman encounters Senta, a young woman betrothed to a young man in the village yet she becomes obsessed with the Dutchman’s legend.  Could she be his chance for redemption? Can the power of true love break the curse and end his suffering? LVO’s cast features some of the area’s best-known performers with bass-baritone Philip Skinner as The Dutchman, soprano Marie Plette as Senta, and baritone Eugene Brancoveanu as Daland, Senta’s fiancé, all know for their dramatic acting ability and vocal excellence.

In March, the timeless Mozart comedy The Marriage of Figaro with its bubbling overture and brilliant arias is a witty yet profound tale of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.   It tells how the servants, Figaro and Susanna, cleverly outwit their master, Count Almaviva, from seducing Susanna.  Through their manipulations, the Count’s love for his Countess is restored.  Adding to the fun is an old man seeking revenge, a scheming maid, a drunken gardener, and an amorous teenager.  Much happens on a single, crazy day!

Special Events

Opening Night Galas at Uncle’s Yu’s at the Vineyards

Gala ticket includes dinner at Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard, followed by a dessert reception in the Bankhead Theater.  The welcome reception begins at 4:00pm and dinner seating at 4:30 pm at Uncle Yu’s, conveniently located one-half block from the theater.  Guests will have a chance to meet the Stage Director and LVO’s Alexander Katsman.

Gala Tickets are $90, and are available through Bankhead Theater box office.

Pre-opera talk

Included in the ticket price are pre-opera talks held one hour prior to curtain time.  LVO’s traditional artist’s reception is held in the lobby immediately following each performance.

Ticket Pricing

Adults $42-$89.  Students 18 years and younger $10 off on all days, all seating sections. Student ID required.

Performance & Box Office Location:

Bankhead Theater

2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550

Bankhead Ticket Office: 925-373-6800

www.livermoreperformingarts.org

Additional LVO 2015-2016 Season events

Pleasanton Museum on Main exhibit: 25 Years of Music and Magic, August 3 – October 16

The exhibit features 25 years of Livermore Valley Opera with memorabilia from operas throughout LVO’s history.  Video, posters, elaborate costumes and props including swords, knives, Romeo’s poison bottle and the ugly boar’s head from Die Fledermaus.  Visit the museum’s website at www.museumonmain.org for more information.

OperaLIVE!

Free, one-hour public events at local libraries featuring professional opera singers performing arias from the season’s opera productions.  The OperaLIVE! community outreach program previewing The Flying Dutchman details are as follows:

Sunday, September 11, 2016; 2 p.m.; Livermore Library

Civic Center location at 1188 S. Livermore Ave

Sponsored by Friends of the Livermore Library

Art exhibit and reception at the Bankhead Theater: Surrealist painter Rafal Olbisnki

A unique artwork collection of stunning and provocative posters by internationally acclaimed surrealist painter, Rafal Olbisnki representing classical operas in thoroughly provoking ways. The collection is owned by Raquel Holt, one of the founders of Livermore Valley Opera.  Also included in the exhibit will be a selection of Livermore Valley Opera posters created by various artists for use to promote their productions.

A reception of wine and refreshments will be held in the Bankhead Theater lobby on September 17th 1-3pm   Entertainment provided by principal singers of The Flying Dutchman.

25th Silver Jubilee celebration event

Livermore Valley Opera will celebrate its Silver Jubilee on Saturday January 28, 2017 at The Club at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton. Sip sparkling champagne while listening to a magical concert of favorite arias in the Tuscan style reception area. Enjoy a Parade of Opera Costumes worn by dignitaries and supportive volunteers. A gourmet three-course dinner paired with award-winning Livermore wines at uniquely designed Diva and Divo tables for guests to dine with professional opera stars. Popular San Francisco auctioneer, Lenny Broberg will sells exciting auction trips and priceless experiences. Raffle winners have a chance to take home two one-of-a-kind items. Black tie optional.

Opera in the Vineyard

This ever-popular benefit for LVO offers a chance for the community to enjoy arias from classic operas performed by professional singers in an informal setting. It is a “bring-your-own-picnic dinner” event set in a Livermore vineyard and winery.  Visit the LVO website in 2016 for dates and ticket information.

Additional opera events and community outreach programs

Visit the LVO website at www.livermorevalleyopera.com for more information about a variety of events throughout the season.

About LVO

Livermore Valley Opera was founded in 1992, and presents fully-staged operas at Livermore’s Bankhead Theater in the spring and fall. This gem of a theater features excellent lines of sight and acoustics, helping the opera to attract talented singers and stage directors for their performances.

LVO is a professional opera company and a 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable arts organization. For more information, visit www.livermorevalleyopera.com.