Minnesota Opera draws from near and far for 2009-2010 season
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The season announced today includes Argento's "Casanova's Homecoming," which was presented by the Minnesota Opera in its first season in the Ordway in 1985.
Artistic Director Dale Johnson says he's excited and pleased about the production.
"First of all, because it's fun and it's a really great and touching work," Johnson said. "Secondly, Dominick is one of the great composers of the 20th century. And to honor this man, who was really instrumental in the creation of the Minnesota Opera, is really a privilege for us all."
Johnson says he believes Argento will be involved in the new production.
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"He loves this piece, as do I," Johnson said. "It's very rare that you get a comedy in opera, a contemporary opera especially. So to get one that is as funny as this one is, and as warm and knowing as this piece is."
The season will also include "La Boheme," which is being presented because of the availability of one particular singer, James Valenti.
"(He) came out of our training program and has become a big tenor in the world," said Johnson. "And he said, 'Sure, I'll come back and do Boheme,' so it was really nice to have that."
The season opens in October with "The Pearl Fishers" by Bizet, followed by "Casanova" in November.
Next up is "Roberto Devereux" by Gaetano Donizetti in late January, with "La Boheme" in February. The season wraps up in March with "Salome" by Richard Strauss.
