Toronto’s Opera by Request, partnered with the Canadian Institute for Czech Music, present Mozart’s masterpiece opera Don Giovanni, performed in concert with piano accompaniment and English subtitles. Originally composed for Prague, and premiering there in 1787, Don Giovanni was a major success. Mozart himself conducted the first performance at the Estates Theatre, in Prague’s Old Town, and the work has been forever linked with city and the Czech Republic. Its popularity soon spread across Europe, and the opera has become a mainstay in the operatic repertoire. Now, witness the genius of Mozart’s music with a four-city Ontario tour: Toronto, Ottawa, London, and Windsor.
The story of Don Giovanni centers on the lecherous character of Don Juan as he seduces the women of the opera. Leporello, his servant and trusted sidekick, chronicles Don Giovanni’s life through the stories of his romantic conquests, all the while trying to convince his master to give up his womanizing ways. Along the way, Don Giovanni encounters new women to seduce, in Donna Anna and Zerlina, rivals in Don Ottavio and Masetto, a vengeful former lover in Donna Elvira, and a ghostly figure who urges Don Giovanni to repent.
This touring production features a stellar cast of Canadian singers, under the musical direction of William Shookhoff and Claire Harris. Baritone Norman Brown returns to the title role after a successful run in State Opera - Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. Leporello, Don Giovanni’s servant, will be sung by baritone John Holland, who had a triumphal portrayal of the role at Prague’s Estates Theatre. Donna Anna, a young woman of nobility, will be sung soprano Alexandra Leblanc and her betrothed, Don Ottavio, will be shared by tenors Colin Frotten and Conlan Gassi. Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanni’s jilted lovers, will sung by soprano Deena Nicklefork. The young peasant girl, Zerlina, will be shared by sopranos Danie Friesen and Jessica Clark, with her fiancé, Masetto, will be sung by bass George Ossipov (also playing the role of the Commendatore).
Don Giovanni is filled with famous arias, catchy melodies, vocal fireworks, passion, tenderness, moments of tragedy, and moments of terror. The opera spans the emotional gamut, and is not to be missed. Call 416-455-2365 for more information, or visit www.operabyrequest.ca or www.canczechmusic.ca
The story of Don Giovanni centers on the lecherous character of Don Juan as he seduces the women of the opera. Leporello, his servant and trusted sidekick, chronicles Don Giovanni’s life through the stories of his romantic conquests, all the while trying to convince his master to give up his womanizing ways. Along the way, Don Giovanni encounters new women to seduce, in Donna Anna and Zerlina, rivals in Don Ottavio and Masetto, a vengeful former lover in Donna Elvira, and a ghostly figure who urges Don Giovanni to repent.
This touring production features a stellar cast of Canadian singers, under the musical direction of William Shookhoff and Claire Harris. Baritone Norman Brown returns to the title role after a successful run in State Opera - Stara Zagora in Bulgaria. Leporello, Don Giovanni’s servant, will be sung by baritone John Holland, who had a triumphal portrayal of the role at Prague’s Estates Theatre. Donna Anna, a young woman of nobility, will be sung soprano Alexandra Leblanc and her betrothed, Don Ottavio, will be shared by tenors Colin Frotten and Conlan Gassi. Donna Elvira, one of Don Giovanni’s jilted lovers, will sung by soprano Deena Nicklefork. The young peasant girl, Zerlina, will be shared by sopranos Danie Friesen and Jessica Clark, with her fiancé, Masetto, will be sung by bass George Ossipov (also playing the role of the Commendatore).
Don Giovanni is filled with famous arias, catchy melodies, vocal fireworks, passion, tenderness, moments of tragedy, and moments of terror. The opera spans the emotional gamut, and is not to be missed. Call 416-455-2365 for more information, or visit www.operabyrequest.ca or www.canczechmusic.ca
Friday September 14 at 7 pm - College Street United Church, Toronto
Sunday September 16 at 2 pm - First Baptist Church, Ottawa
Saturday September 22 at 7 pm - New St. James Presbyterian Church, London
Sunday September 30 at 2 pm - All Saints' Anglican Church, Windsor