Opera Atelier Lays Claim to the Romantic Period

Opera Atlier's Press Release

Opera Atelier’s 2012-2013 season opens with a brand new production of Der Freischütz (The Marksman), OA’s first production from the Romantic period in the company’s history. Premiered in 1821, Weber’s Der Freischütz (The Marksman) is based on German folklore and is widely considered the first important German Romantic opera. This is an artistically bold move into uncharted territory for Opera Atelier, which has previously dealt exclusively with Baroque and Classical work from the 17th and 18th centuries. It is part of the company’s ongoing mission to shake off the preconceptions about “period production” by reimagining and revitalizing the great works of the entire operatic canon.

Der Freischütz (The Marksman) is the story of Max, a young man who must pass a test of marksmanship in order to win his love’s hand and claim his position in the community. Frustrated at practice, Max enters into a Faustian deal for seven magic bullets: six will unerringly hit their intended mark, and the final one is at the command of the devil. With its emotional intensity, integration of German folk legend, and depiction of nature as sublime and untamable, Der Freischütz (The Marksman) is a quintessential work of the Romantic era.

Der Freischütz (The Marksman) is a powerful vehicle for Croatian tenor Krešimir Špicer (who played the title roles in OA’s productions of Idomeneo and La Clemenza di Tito) as the title marksman Max. He is joined by baritone Vasil Garvanliev, soprano Meghan Lindsay, soprano Carla Huhtanen, baritone Curtis Sullivan, bass-baritone Olivier LaQuerre, baritone Michael Nyby, and bass Gustav Andreassen. Der Freischütz (The Marksman) will feature the full corps of the Artists of Atelier Ballet.

The creative team includes director Marshall Pynkoski, choreographer Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, set designer Gerard Gauci, costume designer Martha Mann, and lighting designer Bonnie Beecher. Music Director David Fallis conducts the Tafelmusik Orchestra. Sung in German with English Surtitles.

2012-20123 Season Sponsor: Sun Life Financial
Der Freischütz (The Marksman) Production Underwriter: Michael A. Wekerle of Difference Capital Inc.
Der Freischütz (The Marksman) Production Sponsor: BMO Financial Group

Opera Atelier also gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.

Opera Atelier is Canada’s premier Baroque opera/ballet company, producing opera, ballet and drama from the 17th and 18th centuries. While drawing upon the aesthetics and ideals of the period, Opera Atelier goes beyond “reconstruction” and infuses each production with an inventive theatricality that resonates with modern audiences. Since 1985, lead by founding artistic directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, Opera Atelier has garnered acclaim for its performances at home as well as in the United States, Europe and Asia. The 2012-2013 season begins with Der Freischütz (The Marksman), Oct. 27-Nov. 3, 2012, followed by a revival of Mozart’s wildly popular The Magic Flute, Apr. 6-13, 2013.

DATES: October 27, 28, 30, 31, November 2 and 3, 2012 – including a Halloween show!
TIMES: 7:30 P.M. (*with the exception of Sunday matinee at 3 P.M.)
TICKET PRICES: Tickets start at $35.
BOX OFFICE: Ticketmaster at 1-855-622-ARTS(2787) or at www.ticketmaster.ca
VENUE: The Elgin Theatre (189 Yonge Street, Toronto)

Thoughts about the Production

There's no doubt this a different undertaking for the artists of Opera Atelier. There's also little doubt their style will fit the repertoire nicely. Their productions all have an extremely romantic flair to them as it is. Their wardrobes (designed by Martha Mann in this instance) all conjure images of the great swashbuckler films from the 1930's and '40's. Can anyone really look at the blazingly handsome Colin Ainsworth as 'Renaud' in last season's production of 'Armide' and not imagine Errol Flynn fencing his way across the stage? Tenor Krešimir Špicer fits that imagery beautifully. That he's a fabulous actor and a wonderfully expressive singer will only drive the point home.

Vasil Garvanliev displayed a wonderful flair for comedy in last season's production of 'Don Giovanni'. His timing is splendid and his range of expressions is formidable. Meghan Lindsay is developing by leaps and bounds. She was impressive enough in 'Don Giovanni' but displayed an entirely new dimension in 'Armide'. Carla Huhtanen, Olivier Laquerre and Curtis Sullivan are all veterans of Opera Atelier's stages who bring wit, intelligence and passion to the largest or smallest roles. The value of character performers of their caliber can't be measured.

The Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra embraced the romantic era ages ago. They continue to break new ground with recordings and performances from the repertoire. Their catalogue includes all five of the Beethoven Piano Concertos as well as Symphonies Number Five through Eight. Conductor David Fallis is justly known for vibrant and insightful interpretations.

Another factor that can't be understated is the challenge of doing something new. Artists thrive on that. They bring passion to their craft regardless but there's always more there when they want to show people something.

This is going to be great.

The clip below has Spanish subtitles. Sorry, but there's just not much available on YouTube from this opera. It was either this or "Max meets Van Helsing"complete with Manga drawings.

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