SOPRANO MARY DUNLEAVY
The 2006 Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year Award Winner

     Season subscribers to The Dallas Opera have selected immensely talented soprano Mary Dunleavy to be the honored recipient of the 2006 Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year Award for her performances as all four leading ladies in The Dallas Opera's co-production of Jacques Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann.
     In a written statement, Ms. Dunleavy commented, "I was one of the early winners of The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. So it was really wonderful to return to Texas to make my debut with The Dallas Opera as the four heroines in The Tales of Hoffmann . It isn't very often that an opera company will take the risk of casting one singer in all four roles, and I am so very glad that The Dallas Opera put their trust in me. It was an exciting production and so very rewarding for me as an actress and as a singer."
     Ms. Dunleavy, who earned her Masters Degree in Music from U.T. and frequently returns to instruct master classes, is praised as one of the most exciting singers in this generation of lyric coloratura sopranos. She was recently honored by the University of Texas as one of four University of Texas alumni chosen by the Texas Exes to receive the "Outstanding Young Texas Ex Award" (2006). The Texas Exes inaugurated this award a quarter century ago in order to recognize particularly distinguished young alumni who have demonstrated a continuing interest in The University of Texas and the Texas Exes.
     Ms. Dunleavy was one of eight exceptionally gifted singing actors nominated by a panel of music critics and opera company officials to be considered for this year's Maria Callas Debut of the Year Award. The other nominees were Christophe Dumaux (Unulfo in Rodelinda, January 2006), Wolfgang Holzmair (Papageno in The Magic Flute, February 2006), Brandon Jovanovich (Turiddu in Cavalleria rusticana, November 2005), Maria Kanyova (Nedda in Pagliacci, November 2005), Jeffrey Kneebone (for the dual roles of Alfio and Tonio in Cavalleria and Pagliacci), Antonello Palombi (Canio in Pagliacci , November 2005) and Lyubov Petrova (Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, January 2006).

See complete calendar & event details!

A Spotlight on Upcoming Dallas Opera Debuts

     Yes, we are excited about the productions scheduled for the 50th Anniversary Season here at The Dallas Opera. And yes, we are excited about the talented singing actors and actresses who will create these unforgettable roles. But, what we are really look forward to is the new performers debuting this season!

Read the complete article to find out who we're raving about!
 

REMEMBERING 50 YEARS:
One Prize, Many Winners

     Half a century ago, a benefit concert featuring the legendary Maria Callas began a tradition that gave birth to today's Dallas Opera. Since then, The Dallas Opera has established the Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year Award to honor the singers who have made the strongest impression on our patrons. The list contains a slew of phenomenal artists, such as Sharon Sweet, Cecilia Bartoli and last year's winner, Mary Dunleavy. What's just as impressive, however, is the list of artists who were on the ballot for the Maria Callas Award but did not win.  
     In the 1992-1993 season, Jerry Hadley was named as the Maria Callas Award winner. Since that time, he has been considered the leading American tenor of his generation and one of the most sought-after singers of our time. Interestingly, a young Pennsylvania soprano named Renée Fleming and a mezzo-soprano turned soprano, Carol Vaness, were also on the ballot. Today, these are two of most sought-after sopranos in the world.

Read the complete article to find out who else was on the ballots!

HOT Ticket:  The Dallas Opera Offers You Flexibility in the Value Zone.

For the first time, you have the flexibility to create your own subscription.  A three-performance-package starts at just $105.  You pick the night you attend, you pick the productions you want to experience, and you receive subscriber benefits*!  These packages are available only in Value Zone areas.  Call the Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 for more details.

*Full exchange and ticket insurance privileges apply.  Seats are not guaranteed for 07/08 season. 

BOARD AND TRUSTEE APPRECIATION DINNER

     The Annual Board/Trustee Appreciation Dinner was held Thursday, May 26th following the final meeting of the year.  Both the meeting and the elegant dinner took place at Hotel Crescent Court.
     Dinner guests were treated with two arias performed by past cast members of The Dallas Opera. Afterwards, the Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year Award was presented by Artistic Director Jonathan Pell and Tiffany & Co. representative Dorothy Mason.  Mary Dunleavy, who portrayed all four leading ladies in The Tales of Hoffmann , was named the 2006 winner, and her acceptance speech was a true inspiration to the crowd.
     General Director Karen Stone and Board President John Cody presented awards to outgoing Board members Bruce Chemel, Pat Mattingly and Nancy Bierman.  A toast was then given to honor the truly outstanding tenure of outgoing TDO Chairman, Marty Weiland.  He and his wife, Patti, were both given gifts and the opera's utmost thanks.

Click here to see more photos of the event.

Opera Boot Camp 2006
"Ten-hut!"

     If you've been longing for the chance to learn a lot more about opera in a very short time, check out "Opera Boot Camp 2006," an entertaining, interactive one-day workshop being presented at the Karayanis Rehearsal Production Center (located at 4301 S. Fitzhugh Ave.) on Saturday, July 29th from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  This lively event will be hosted by renowned music educator Jamie Allen, who has been honored with national awards by ASCAP and the American Music Center for his outstanding presentations.
Participants will engage in discussions and opera-related activities with a special focus on the 2006-2007 50th Anniversary Season: Nabucco, The Barber of Seville, Mary Queen of Scots, La Rondine and Lohengrin.
The price is $40 per person and it includes lunch.  For additional information, contact Linda Bedwell at 214-443-1082.  We promise you - no one will be asked to "drop and give me fifty!"