After the delightful season opening performance in the charming setting of the Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach, “Opera Under the Stars,” the 2007-2008 season offers three distinctive productions: Puccini's La Bohème, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and the Opera Pacific premiere of Carlisle Floyd's Susannah. All three physical productions are distinctive, wonderful for the eye, and artistically insightful. And, most importantly, there are extraordinary singers who are gracing our stage for the first time, as well as some very fine artists returning for this very beautiful season.

The mainstage season opens with La Bohème, and I so look forward to the debut of American soprano Kelly Kaduce as Mimi and Mexican tenor Arturo Chacon-Cruz as Rodolfo. These two young singers are making quite a reputation for themselves. Kelly Kaduce just created the title role of Anna Karenina for Florida Grand Opera to rave reviews for her singing and acting. This beautiful woman is joined by Mexican tenor Arturo Chacon -Cruz who this season will sing Rodolfo at both the Washington National Opera and the Los Angeles Opera. This protégé of Plácido Domingo will be joined by handsome Canadian baritone James Westman as Marcello, and former Opera Pacific young artist Megan Monaghan (whose career has skyrocketed) as Musetta. The gorgeous voiced Andrew Gangestad (last season's magnificently sung Leporello) returns as Colline. This cast will truly create the youthful ardor of this most popular opera. The production by James Robinson, one of opera's most sought after directors, is slightly updated to World War I. This allows an Art Nouveau feeling to influence the work physically without tampering one iota with the story. The very talented director Michael Scarola will restage the opera, and the legendary conductor Eduardo Mueller; an expert in Italian opera, will make his Opera Pacific conducting debut.

Michael Hampe's spectacular production of The Magic Flute, with stunning costumes by the legendary Zandra Rhodes, opens in January 2008. This most popular of Mozart’s operas, delightful for the entire family, boasts one of the finest casts ever to come to Opera Pacific. Making her company debut as Pamina is Nicole Cabell, first prizewinner of the Singer of the World competition in Wales. Joining her as Prince Tamino is our acclaimed Don Jose from this past season's Carmen, Chad Shelton. As Papageno, international opera star and California favorite Rodney Gilfry is joined with the charming Tonna Miller (our delightful Giannetta in The Elixir of Love) as Papagena. In another role debut, Metropolitan Opera bass Morris Robinson, whose gospel CD “Going Home” is at the top of the charts, sings the benevolent Sarastro. His evil counterpart, the Queen of the Night, will feature the Uruguayan soprano Luz del Alba, who will make her Opera Pacific debut earlier this season in the “Opera Under the Stars” concert. I look forward to conducting this production of one of my personal operatic favorites. Mozart's score, which will be sung in the original German, is simply glorious from start to finish.

The final offering for the 2007-2008 season is the Opera Pacific premiere of what by now must be called Carlisle Floyd's classic opera, Susannah. This opera, written is the 1950's, has enjoyed immense popularity because of its melodic score with some great arias, and its heart-wrenching story based on the biblical account of Susannah and the Elders. Set in rural Depression-era Tennessee, we will present the magnificent production by Robert Falls from Chicago Lyric Opera, and also seen at the Metropolitan Opera. In the title role is the magnificently voiced soprano Pamela Armstrong, an Opera Pacific favorite from past seasons (2004’s Cosí fan tutte, 2002’s Don Giovanni, and 2000’s The Magic Flute). Another wonderful singer, American bass Dean Peterson, recreates the role of the lonely preacher Olin Blitch. Two tenors, Arnold Rawls and John Easterlin make their company debuts as Susannah's brother Sam and Susannah’s not so trustworthy friend Little Bat. A wonderful opera for our chorus, who I'm sure will be thrilling in the unforgettable revival scene, will join me and the Opera Pacific Orchestra in what is a long overdue presentation of this beloved American work.

Our “Opera Under the Stars” concert at Laguna Beach will be conducted by me and will feature our Opera Pacific Orchestra and Chorus. Headlining will be six wonderful singers, including the return of Orange County favorite Robin Follman. Soprano Luz del Alba (upcoming Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute), coloratura soprano Zheng Cao (our charming and vocally opulent Zerlina from this past season's Don Giovanni), join debuting tenor James Valenti, and baritone Troy Cook. To top it all off, we mark the return of this past season's astounding new bass discovery, Christian van Horn (Zuniga in Carmen). The concert, which will be semi-staged by director Nicola Bowie, will examine the many facets of love as portrayed in opera both comic and serious, and will include many of operas most beloved melodies and hit tunes. I know you will not want to miss this wonderful event in this magical setting, but seating is limited so hurry and get your tickets now.