The Dallas Opera Announces its 50th Anniversary Season

The Dallas Opera will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Season by honoring the past and looking to the future and its new home in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. 

The Dallas Opera has a proud and illustrious history of bringing great opera in the grand tradition to Dallas for half a century, beginning with the first concert by Maria Callas in 1957, and continuing through the world-class caliber productions being created and presented on that very same stage today.

The 50th Anniversary Season includes works by some of the greatest composers in Western Music - Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Puccini and Wagner.

This season is designed to represent some of the highest and most influential achievements in art, ranging from Verdi's Nabucco, which became the symbol of the Italian Republican movement of the 19th century to Wagner's magical Lohengrin.

The celebratory year of 2007 will culminate in a spectacular gala evening on November 17, 2007, with headliner Renée Fleming as featured entertainer. The 1500+ guests will be treated to a dazzling evening at the Meyerson Symphony Center that includes this unforgettable concert, superb dining and dancing in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration marking a truly historic moment for the city of Dallas!  Table underwriting will range from $10,000 to $100,000 with valuable recognition available to gala sponsors.

Be a part of this grand and glorious moment, and watch everything The Dallas Opera touches "turn to GOLD!"

The 50th Anniversary Season is Presented by the Elsa von Seggern Foundation:

See complete calendar & event details!

Ariadne auf Naxos

Ariadne auf Naxos, the third production of the 2005-2006 Season, is filled with delightful chaos.

Scenic designer, John Lloyd Davies, describes how the characters learn an incredible lesson about art and life. They bicker about which is better, comedy or tragedy, only to realize that combining the two creates something even more profound.

With the holidays in full swing, we thought you'd like a little party-planning help. The Dallas Opera staff and a few local restaurants offer their recommendations for the perfect holiday party concoctions.

Give the Gift of Opera

As you shop this holiday season, don't forget the "Masters' Trio" celebrating three productions by three of the greatest composers: Strauss, Handel and Mozart.

"Masters' Trio" includes a ticket to Ariadne auf Naxos, Rodelinda and The Magic Flute (click the titles to listen to a sample from the operas). The "Masters' Trio" will save you nearly 30% off single ticket prices. Plus, you'll get a parking pass!

Gift certificates are always a great idea! Buy $100 in gift certificates by Dec. 23rd and receive a FREE seat upgrade coupon!

Call The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214-443-1000!

One-time use parking lot admission for one vehicle will be included with Masters' Trio tickets in price categories 1-9 only. Parking offer is not valid on Sunday (Series B). Not valid with other offers.

Seat upgrade coupon is valid for up to two seats of the same performance and can be presented up to 90 minutes before a performance. Not valid with any other offers.

Your Christmas Shopping Helps Benefit TDO!

Bachendorf's and TDO are offering a pair of complimentary tickets to Ariadne auf Naxos! Purchase at least $500 in merchandise at any of Bachendorf's three locations by close of business on Christmas Eve. Then, hold on to the fulfillment card received at time of purchase and call the Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 to redeem your two tickets!

Barnes & Noble Bookfair - This week (Dec. 11th through 17th), Barnes & Noble will donate a percentage of your purchases to The Dallas Opera. Just print this voucher and present it at the cash register or fill out a voucher when you get to the register.

Supporting The Dallas Opera while purchasing the perfect gifts couldn't be easier. Your efforts help bring world-class opera to the stage. We greatly appreciate your support!

Opera and the Movies

Ariadne.... got us thinking about desert islands. The idea of being on one (plus the holiday atmosphere) sparked conversations about our favorite vacations. 

Nothing brings back memories of a great vacation like a movie set in that location.

Opera Scholars

The 2005-2006 Opera Scholars program is already introducing local high school students to opera, as an art form, and providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to stage world-class productions, Dallas Opera-style!  Two dozen students are taking part in an in-depth study of the five operas of the 2005-2006 Season before attending either a dress rehearsal or performance of each one.

If they are anything like the Opera Scholars program of a year ago, when The Dallas Opera presented Carmen, Jenufa, Cinderella, Luisa Miller and Madame Butterfly, they're bound to come away with a new appreciation for opera itself - and its tremendous power to move audiences. Read the thoughts of the class of 2004-2005...

From the Critics

As we approach the start of our third production, Ariadne auf Naxos (Jan. 6-14), we thought you'd like to read what the critics think about the season so far.

"I've always thought the Dallas Opera was special...I believe the Dallas Opera is creating something new." D Magazine

"Sex! Violence! Adultery! Murder! Now more than a century old, the double-bill of Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana and Ruggero Leoncavallo's Pagliacci has plenty of vice to go around. And it gains immediacy in a new staging opening the Dallas Opera's 2005-06 season." The Dallas Morning News, Nov. 12, 2005

"Hoffmann regales with skillful storytelling...This is a colorful and witty production that produced some hearty audience laughter...." The Dallas Morning News 

Founders Award Luncheon

The Women's Board of the Dallas Opera will present the Juanita and Henry S. Miller, Jr. Founders Award to longtime benefactors of The Dallas Opera, Diane and Hal Brierley, at their annual luncheon on Friday, January 13, 2006.

This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional volunteer and philanthropic contributions to The Dallas Opera. The Founders Award Luncheon, to be held at the Hotel Crescent Court, is co-chaired this year by sisters Dianne Etheredge and Lynda Willis-Tompkins.

Please make plans to join us to honor Diane and Hal Brierley in appreciation of their service to The Dallas Opera.

For further information, please contact Nancy Bierman, Chairman of The Women's Board, at (214) 357-6401, or Lynda Willis-Tompkins at (469) 229-0111.