The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre Presents…

The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre presents an evening of opera featuring scenes from Puccini’s La Bohème, Verdi’s Rigoletto, and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

Introduction

Since its founding in 1926, The Curtis Institute of Music has been one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Curtis provides students with a comprehensive education in music, from undergraduate and graduate programs to professional studies and community outreach initiatives.

Now in its 92nd season, Curtis Opera Theatre is one of the leading opera training programs in the United States. Each year, Curtis produces three fully staged operas as part of its commitment to preparing young artists for professional careers. The repertory is carefully chosen to challenge students vocally, musically, and dramatically, and productions are cast entirely from within the Curtis student body.

Recent productions have included Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Verdi’s Rigoletto, and Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The 2020-2021 season will feature Bizet’s Carmen, Janáček’s Jenůfa, and Rossini’s La Cenerentola.

Curtis Opera Theatre productions are performed in Philadelphia at the Prince Theater and are conducted by artistic staff members or leading guest conductors. Productions are typically sung in the original language with English supertitles projected above the stage.

What is the Curtis Institute of Music?

The Curtis Institute of Music is a world-renowned conservatory located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1924 by Mary Louise Curtis Bok, the Curtis Institute of Music ranks among the world’sleading music schools, with an international reputation for excellence in music education.

Each year, the school’s opera theatre presents a fully staged opera production. The 2017/18 season features three operas: The Barber of Seville, Carmen, and La Bohème.

The Barber of Seville: February 22-March 4, 2018
Carmen: April 26-May 6, 2018
La Bohème: May 31-June 10, 2018

What is the Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre?

The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre is the opera company of the Curtis Institute of Music, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1956 by Marilyn Horne and John de Lancie. The company’s stated mission is “to inspire a love of great music and opera through artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation.”

The company produces two fully-staged operas each season. One is a new production, and the other is an established work. The company also presents several fully-staged concert operas each season. These are usually one-act works or excerpts from larger works.

Past productions have included such works as La Bohème, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, Don Giovanni, Così fan tutte, The Barber of Seville, Madama Butterfly, La traviata, Tosca, and Rigoletto.

What is the History of the Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre?

The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre was founded in 1950 by the late Hungarian-American opera star Lotte Lehmann and her protégé Douglas Moore, who served as the company’s first music director. The company staged its first production, Lehmann’s farewell concert, on May 9, 1950, in Philadelphia’s Academy of Music—one of the country’s most prestigious opera houses.

Opera lovers flocked to see Lehmann in such roles as the Marschallin in Richard Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier and the Countess in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. She continued to perform with the company until her retirement from the stage in 1955.

The Curtis Opera Theatre has since gone on to mount more than 100 productions, including works by Giacomo Puccini, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Gilbert and Sullivan, Benjamin Britten, assertivePath() Leonard Bernstein, and John Adams. The company has also presented world premiere operas by contemporary composers such as Nicholas Maw and Richard Danielpour.

What is the Future of the Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre?

The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre is one of the most celebrated and respected opera training programs in the world. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Curtis offers a unique blend of artistic excellence and academic rigor, with a commitment to providing each student with personalized attention and the opportunity to develop their full potential as opera singers and theatrical artists.

The Opera Theatre has produced some of the most acclaimed singers of our time, including Renee Fleming, Annie Lennox, Joyce DiDonato, Stephanie Blythe, Samuel Ramey, and James Morris. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mikael Eliasen, the Opera Theatre has continued to produce exceptional artists who are making their mark on the international stage.

With a rich history and a bright future ahead, the Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre is one of the most important training ground for opera singers and theatrical artists in North America.

Conclusion

Thank you for your interest in The Curtis Institute of Music Opera Theatre Presents… We hope you enjoyed learning about our program and the various opera productions we offer each season. We encourage you to continue exploring opera and attending live performances to fully appreciate this enthralling art form.

We also invite you to learn more about The Curtis Institute of Music, one of the world’s premier music conservatories. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Curtis offers a disciplined yet nurturing environment for extraordinary young musicians from all over the world.

Thank you again for your interest, and we hope to see you at a performance soon!