HGO to Present its Premiere Staging of Berlioz's Beatrice and Benedict

HOUSTON – Houston Grand Opera (HGO) continues the 2008–2009 season with Berlioz’s Beatrice and Benedict, based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, in the Brown Theater at the Wortham Theater Center. The production opens on October 30, 2008, with performances continuing through November 14, 2008.

The HGO premiere staging of Beatrice and Benedict will open under the HGO directorial debut of Robin Tebbutt, former staff director for the Welsh National Opera and Glyndebourne Opera Festival. Regarded as “elegant, unaffected, and charming” by Opera News, HGO Studio alumna Joyce DiDonato (HGO’s La Cenerentola 2007) returns as the sharp-witted and sarcastic Beatrice. The role of Benedict will be sung by HGO Studio alumnus Norman Reinhardt (HGO’s Marriage of Figaro 2006). HGO Studio alumni Ryan McKinny and Liam Bonner (HGO’s Billy Budd 2007) return to HGO as Benedict’s conspiring friends Don Pedro and Claudio. Ailish Tynan makes her HGO debut as Hero, the lovestruck daughter of Leonato and Leann Sandel-Pantaleo makes her HGO debut as Beatrice’s lady in waiting, Ursula. Sets and costumes are designed by Tony Award-winning American designer Michael Yeargan. Michael Hofstetter will conduct the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus in his HGO debut.

Beatrice and Benedict opens on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Brown Theater at the Wortham Center. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. Beatrice and Benedict will be performed in English with English supertitles. Tickets start at $20 and are available online at www.houstongrandopera.org or by calling 712-228-OPERA (6737)

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Taste This! HGO at The Tasting Room

October 6, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. The Tasting Room (Uptown Park Location)

A cabaret-style performance featuring the artists of Houston Grand Opera Studio performing music inspired by the works of Shakespeare. Tickets to this event are $20 and include hors d’oeuvres, but seating is very limited so please reserve your tickets by calling The Tasting Room Events Line at 713-622-4477.

Houston Grand Opera Guild Opera Night Live

October 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Czech Center Museum Houston (4920 San Jacinto Street)

Enjoy a conversation with Robin Tebbutt, director of Beatrice and Benedict, plus a special “Bea and Ben” musical preview featuring HGO Studio artists. This event is free, but space is limited so please reserve your seat by calling Houston Grand Opera Guild at 713-546-0269.

Coffee Talk

October 15, 2008 at 6 p.m. University of St Thomas Jones Hall

Houston Grand Opera and the University of St. Thomas present the first in a series of informal conversations on the connections between life and art. HGOco Director Sandra Bernhard joins with UST faculty to discuss “How Shakespeare Sees the World.” Free and open to the public; for more information call 713-228-OPERA(6737).

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