Founded
in 1929, Chautauqua Opera is North America's oldest continuously operating summer
opera company and 4th oldest opera company after the Metropolitan Opera, Cincinnati
Opera and San Francisco Opera. Chautauqua Opera offers a season of 3 operas and
1 musical or operetta featuring internationally recognized guest artists as well
as promising young singers from our Young Artists Program.
Chautauqua
Opera Company 2008 Season
Cosi
Fan Tutte
Thursday,
July 3, Monday, July 7
7:30 p.m.
Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ·
Libretto: Lorenzo da Ponte
English translation: Andrew Porter  Are
women fundamentally unfaithful? Can men be trusted? Two young lovers wager that
their fiancées’ will remain steadfast no matter what tempts them.
The boastful men then do everything they can to lead the young ladies astray.
Sparkling melodies, farcical situations and deep emotions characterize Mozart
and Da Ponte’s delicious “Battle of the Sexes.” Returning to
Norton Hall after 14 seasons, this new production will be staged by Artistic/General
Director Jay Lesenger and will feature a number of former Young Artists in the
cast.
The
Cunning Little Vixen
Friday,
July 18 and Monday, July 21, 7:30 p.m.
Music and Libretto: Leos Janacek
 Long
before The Lion King came out of the jungle, The Cunning Little Vixen
described Nature's cycle of life from birth to rebirth, juxtaposing the delightful
adventures of the clever young fox and her friends (who sing!) with the all-too-human
frailties of the neighboring villagers.Leoä Janacek, creator of nine operas including
Jenufa and The Makropoulos Affair, is now recognized not only
as one of the greatest Czeck composers, but as one of opera's most unique voices
as well. Filled with the melodies of Janacek's Moravian homeland, The Cunning
Little Vixen is now recognized as a masterpiece throughout the opera world
and promises to amuse and fascinate audiences of all ages. Chautauqua Opera is
proud to present our first production of a Janacek opera. The Cunning Little
Vixen is sure to be one of this summer's operatic highlights.
La
Traviata
Friday,
August 1 and Monday, August 4, 7:30 p.m.
Music: Guiseppe Verdi ·
Libretto: Francesco Maria Piave
English translation: Edmund Tracey
 The
Parisian courtesan Violetta Valery falls passionately in love with young Alfredo
Germont and resolves to leave her world of money and easy pleasure behind. But
her past catches up with her, leading to the ultimate sacrifice. One of the world's
most popular operas returns to Norton Hall filled with melody and heartbreak.
Former Young Artists Malinda Haslett and Todd Thomas and Chautauquan Jonathan
Boyd head the cast of Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece. Don't miss it! Street
Scene
Friday,
August 15 and Monday, August 18, 7:30 p.m.
Music: Kurt Weill · Libretto:
Langston Hughes
Book: Elmer Rice
 With
the tenants as audience, the street outside an Upper Eastside apartment is the
stage for human drama. The neighborhood celebrates the great and small moments
of everyday life - high school graduation, the birth of a baby, cool ice cream
on a hot day. The joys and sorrows of tenement life in New York City during the
Great Depression form the stark background for the Maurrant family in Apartment
2W. Trapped in a loveless marriage, Anna Maurrant seeks refuge in the arms of
another man with tragic results. Whether you call it a musical or an opera, Street
Scene is definitely great theater. The large cast of singers, dancers and
actors is headed by Brenda Harris and Richard Bernstein returning to Chautauqua
in the roles of the neglected wife and her jealous husband. This new production,
staged by Artistic/General Director Jay Lesenger, is a co-production with the
Manhattan
School of Music in celebration of the school's 90th anniversary.
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