June 19, 2007

IN THIS ISSUE: - HIP H'OPERA Program to be Performed at Kimmel Center's Summer Solstice Celebration - OCP's 2007-2008 Season: Have You Subscribed? The Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Art Sanctuary present an encore performance of their inspiring outreach initiative, Hip H'Opera, at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts' Summer Solstice Celebration on Saturday, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Perelman Theater.  Students from the Art Sanctuary's North Stars after school program were asked to write hip-hop style poems celebrating their urban experience.  These poems were then set to classical music as a way of juxtaposing these disparate genres.  Selections to be presented include compositions by composers Jay Fluellen, Rolando Morales Matos, and Monnette Sudler.  Soloists include Opera Company of Philadelphia Porgy and Bess cast members bass Frank Mitchell, tenor DonLeroy Morales, mezzo-soprano LaTasha Morris, and soprano Julie Ann Whitely, joined by soprano Evelyn Santiago Schulz.  The chorus is comprised of students from the University of the Arts.  All will be guided by conductor and pianist Jose Melendez.   For more information on Hip H'Opera, please click here. For more information on the Summer Solstice Celebration at the Kimmel Center click here.   To read about Hip H'Opera in the Daily News click here.   To read about Hip H'Opera in the Inquirer click here.   To view a sample with Fox News Reporter Gerald Kolpan click here.  Have you secured your seats to the 2007-2008 Season? The Opera Company of Philadelphia is looking ahead Tenor Matthew Polenzani makes his role debut as the Duke in Rigoletto. to an electrifying season line-up for 2007-2008!  The season opens with Verdi's classic Rigoletto, given in a lush new production in the opera's original, 16th-century locale.  Ushering in the holiday season is Hansel and Gretel, which awakens the child-like wonder in us all through its epic music.  The new opera Cyrano by David DiChiera gives romantic, melodic voice to the classic tale from literature, and makes its East Coast Premiere in a new co-production in February 2008.  And as the season finale, the ultimate opera lover's delight, Norma, Bellini's bel canto showpiece, makes its first appearance on the Academy of Music stage in a decade.  Plus, OCP Subscribers get exclusive access at a special discounted rate to one of next season's most talked-about music events: the Philadelphia premiere of Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadamar! SUBSCRIBING IS THE ONLY WAY TO GUARANTEE SEATS to the exciting 2007-2008 Season!  Subscriptions are on sale now!  To purchase a 2007-2008 Subscription call 215-732-8400 or go to http://www.operaphilly.org/tickets/season-subscription.shtml     2007-2008 SEASON Directors' Welcome   Subscribe Today!

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