SEIZE
THE DAY
The Legend of A Legend

Nicola Rescigno, the founding artistic director of The Dallas Opera, also had a very active and rewarding career as a guest conductor.  As such, he found himself preparing an orchestra and singers for a production of The Marriage of Figaro at Mexico City's Palacio de Bellas Artes in 1961.  One day at rehearsal, Maestro Rescigno sent a troublesome rehearsal pianist packing and, not having anyone else to turn to, was beside himself over having to both play and conduct.

Noticing his obvious distress, a young visitor stepped out from behind the curtain. "Excuse me, Maestro," he said.  "I see you are having a problem with your accompaniment. I would be happy to help if you would like somebody else to play."  The conductor, understandably relieved that he wasn't going to be forced to carry the entire responsibility for the rehearsal alone, replied, "Sure, anybody!"

So, the young pianist sat down and accompanied the singers very competently.  As the rehearsal came to an end, Maestro Rescigno walked over to personally thank this generous stranger for having saved the day.

"Well, you know, Maestro," the young man explained, "I'm not really a pianist, I'm only here today because my wife is singing. I'm actually a tenor and I'd love to sing for you sometime." Rescigno, being grateful (and perhaps a touch curious), replied, "Sure, I'd love to hear something.  Why don't you sing for me right now?"

Forty-five years later, Maestro Rescigno remains a revered and legendary figure at The Dallas Opera. His energy, talent and uncompromising artistic vision has provided a solid foundation upon which the company continues to build and grow today. In some hearts, however, Maestro Rescigno will always be remembered as the man who hired that aspiring young singer who made such a profound impression at the keyboard - Plácido Domingo.

He was a lawyer.

José Luis Duval has come a long way from living with farm animals in Guanajuato, Mexico, to starring as Ismaele in The Dallas Opera's 50th Anniversary production of Nabucco . He made it all the way through law school before recognizing his true calling as a singer. Mr. Duval pursued a singing career that allowed him to star in many soap operas, Spanish Broadway performances and even dub for Walt Disney, but when asked about his favorite audiences from around the world, he responded:

"I think there is a slight difference between audiences all over the world, but I enjoy singing for young audiences like I did in La Vida Breve in Dallas. I was thrilled by how the kids received us and cheered for us; it was amazing."

Another extraordinary Hispanic artist to return to The Dallas Opera stage this season is Verònica Villarroel, who will be starring as Magda in La Rondine. Turn up your speakers and listen to this wonderful interview with Ms. Villarroel by TDO Artistic Director, Jonathan Pell.

HOT TICKET: GET A FREE TICKET UPGRADE!

Buy a subscription to The Dallas Opera's 50th Anniversary Season and receive a FREE ticket upgrade! For more information, call the Ticket Office at 214-443-1000.

*Not valid with Sections 01, 02, 06.

Fifty Years of
The Dallas Opera Guild

The Dallas Opera Guild is celebrating it's 50th anniversary year along with the company.  To start off the season we will have "An Evening at the Edgemere" on Oct. 15.  The evening will include wine and hor d'oeuvres, a chance to become involved in Guild projects and you can shop at our beautiful Opera Boutique.  A seated supper will follow prepared by the chefs at the Edgemere. The final portion of the evening will feature lectures on our upcoming season from General Director Karen Stone, Artisitc Director Johathan Pell and Director of Production John Gage.  Also featured will be our first ever "Young Artist in Residence", Ava Pine, who will perform arias from the season.  This promises to be a very special evening and we hope everyone can attend.  For more information call 214-443-1040. 

The Emerald Ball

The Emerald Ball was presented by the Columbus, Georgia Chapter of The Links, Inc., Saturday, March 26, 2006 at the National Civil War Naval Museum at Port Columbus. Margery Anderson-Clive, TDO's Director of Education, gave a concert to help raise money to fund summer scholarships for local youth and to feed indigent families during the holidays. After the concert she was presented with a Key to the City of Columbus. Over the years, the Columbus, Georgia Chapter has tried to introduce interesting and noted artists to their community. Past special guests have included Ossie Davis, Sarah Jones, Dick Gregory, Pearl Cleage, and Jean Carne.  The day before the event, Margery was a guest speaker at the Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Home for abused and homeless teen-aged girls where she talked to them about accessing self-motivation and determination to start again, begin new things and create their own world. Margery performed her one woman portrayal of opera legend Marian Anderson to the Puccini Society, Sunday, May 13, 2006.

Taste Spain
Oct. 8

Event will include:

• Spanish wine tasting
• Tapas
• Discussion on The Barber of Seville with Karen Stone, General Director 

Cost: 15$
Time: 4-6 PM
Location: Cafe Madrid - new location - Bishop Arts, 408 North Bishop Street, Suite 108 (facing Eighth Street), Dallas, TX 75208

Space is limited.

RSVP to Tanisha@dallasopera.org or 214.443.1013 

Amici di Opera: Season Launch Party
October 10

Come kickoff the opera season with complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuveres and amazing door prizes! Meet and greet The Dallas Opera's General Director, Karen Stone. This event is open to everyone! Make it an incredible celebration by bringing all of your friends!

Cost: FREE
Time: 6:30 PM 
Location: Candleroom - 5039 Willis Ave, Dallas, TX 75206