OCNC Presents Giacomo Puccini's Tosca

OCNC Presents Giacomo Puccini's Tosca

RALEIGH, N.C., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Opera Company of North Carolina concludes its 2004-2005 season with Giacomo Puccini's Tosca in Memorial Auditorium at the BTI Center for the Performing Arts on June 10 at 7:30 PM and June 12 at 2:00 PM. From the opening chords to the dramatic finale, Tosca is one of the Italian verismo's most revered and dramatically viable works.

"Tosca has the exotic appeal of a classic thriller!" states OCNC President and Tosca Stage Director Robert Galbraith, "From the composer of Madama Butterfly and La Boheme comes Giacomo Puccini's most sensual and riveting work."

The ravishing opera diva, Floria Tosca, is trapped in a twisted triangle, torn between the painter she loves and a villainous chief of police. Manipulated and betrayed, Tosca is forced to bargain for her lover's life with the virtue of more than her soul! Intensified by music of extraordinary power and beauty, Tosca is a performance not to be missed!

Following his triumphant United States debut with the Minnesota Opera, the brilliant young Italian conductor, Maestro Francesco Colombo, makes his Atlantic Coast debut and promises to lead audiences to new heights as The Opera Company of North Carolina dares audiences to take another bold leap for grand opera! "Milanese conductor Francesco Maria Colombo teases an impressive performance out of the Minnesota Opera orchestra. The timing is solid and the interpretation of the score rich and clear" (Aisle Say Twin Cities). With a radiant voice of beauty, power, nuance and musicality, and a demanding theatrical presence, Lisa Daltirus makes her OCNC debut in the title role of Floria Tosca. "Imperious, Her Eyes Ablaze, The Very Image of Tosca...she exuded an intangible electricity, that charge that comes across to the audience when something is really happening onstage" (The New York Times). Also making his OCNC debut is Metropolitan Opera favorite, John Cheek (Scarpia). A North Carolina native, Cheek made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1977 and has been a member of that company ever since, singing many of the leading bass-baritone roles in Don Giovanni, La Boheme, The Magic Flute, Marriage of Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutte, Aida, Pelleas et Melisande, Faust and La Clemenza di Tito. Other new faces to OCNC audiences include William McMurray (Angelotti) and Ronn K. Smith (Spoletto).

Remembered for his unforgettable OCNC performances in Madama Butterfly and Carmen, regional favorite and North Carolina native, John Fowler, returns as Mario Cavaradossi, the artistic politico and love interest of Tosca. Also returning to the OCNC stage with bigger presence are perennial favorites Leonard Rowe (Sacristan), and Jason S. McKinney (Sciarrone).

For season subscriptions, group rates, or information on VIP Receptions, call 919-859-6180. Single tickets are available through Ticketmaster at 919-834-4000, or at Ticketmaster.com. The Sunday matinee is audio-described for our visually impaired patrons, courtesy of Arts Access.

Now in its 10th season, the mission of The Opera Company of North Carolina is to bring fresh, dynamic, world-class opera to North Carolina. Its artistic and management staff represent more than a century of international arts experience in opera, dance, symphonic music and theater.

Contact: Robert Sinclair Galbraith
The Opera Company of North Carolina
TEL: 919-783-0098
FAX: 919-783-5638
Robert.Galbraith@operanc.com
www.operanc.com

Source: The Opera Company of North Carolina

CONTACT: Robert Sinclair Galbraith of The Opera Company of North
Carolina, +1-919-783-0098, or FAX, +1-919-783-5638, or
Robert.Galbraith@operanc.com

Web site: http://www.operanc.com/

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