(WICHITA, KS -  March 13, 2009) – International superstar Joyce DiDonato, renowned for her interpretations of Rossini’s leading ladies, makes her long-awaited debut in her home state this spring in Wichita Grand Opera’s new production of The Barber of Seville. Ms. DiDonato’s appearance is being underwritten by the Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation. Ms. DiDonato will shine on Saturday, April 25th at 7pm, and Sunday, April 26th at 3pm in Century II’s Mary Jane Teall Theater.  The story is fast-paced and witty, perfect for anyone new to opera.

     A young, lovesick Count arrives in the town of Seville incognito, following the girl of his dreams – Rosina.  She is under the care of theaging and pompous Doctor Bartolo, who has plans to marry Rosina himself to get her dowry.  Figaro, the town’s barber, recognizes the Count and decides – for a generous fee – to help the Count win Rosina.  They try several schemes involving multiple disguises, a meddling music teacher, angry soldiers, bumbling housekeepers, and a great surprise ending.

     This production, as well as all WGO productions, reflects the direction that WGO Artistic Director, Margaret Ann Pent has taken for several years by mixing the biggest stars in opera today with the regions brightest young and resident artists, giving them the opportunity to excel on stage. This production of Barber of Seville is sponsored in part by Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Ross, generous benefactors of the Wichita Grand Opera throughout its seven seasons. Dr. Ross recently won the Governor’s Arts Patron Award for 2009, for his hard work to further the arts in Wichita and the region, with special focus on the WGO. This production is also made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and Galichia Heart Hospital.

     The star-studded cast is led by the incomparable Joyce DiDonato.  The Chicago Tribune calls her a “spunky, funny, lustrous-voiced Rosina” with a “mile-wide charm that [has] made her a superstar in the Rossini repertory.”  The WGO has been fortunate enough to engage Ms. DiDonato for her only new, fully staged opera production in the United States in calendar year 2009. 

     Wichita Grand Opera has established a tradition of offering celebrated opera stars from Kansas the opportunity to make professional opera debuts in their home state of Kansas. Colby native, Samuel Ramey first performed with WGO as Baron Scarpia in Tosca in 2007, leading to his return the very next season in his signature role of Méphistophélès in Faust. Prairie Village native, Ms. DiDonato similarly will make her Kansas opera debut with WGO this April in The Barber of Seville. She is a graduate of Wichita State University, the Philadelphia School for Vocal Arts, and a recipient of the 2005 Beverly Sills Award from the Metropolitan Opera.  She has been seen in her signature role of Rosina at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera Covent Garden, Vienna State Opera, Paris Opera and many others. Now Wichita audiences will have a chance to enjoy her exceptional talent. 

     Joining her on stage will be Stefano de Peppo in the role of the overbearing Doctor Bartolo. This  superb Italian bass-baritone is a great favorite with the Los Angeles Opera and the Washington Opera, among others.  He is also a favorite with Wichita Grand Opera audiences who have seen him as Bartolo in 2005’s Barber of Seville, Papageno in 2006’s The Magic Flute, and the Sacristan in 2007’s Tosca.  His impeccable comedic timing keeps him in demand around the world. Wichita favorites and Kansas natives William Browning, Patrick Greene and Scott Conner, who have lit up the stage for WGO this season with roles in H.M.S. Pinafore, Aida and The Pearl Fishers, return in this production in the roles of Figaro, the mischievous barber; Almaviva, the love sick count; and the comedic music master, Don Basilio respectively.

     Renowned American director James Marvel makes his WGO debut as stage director for this production.  He has led productions across the globe, from New York to England, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, and next year, Seoul.  His productions have received enthusiastic attention, and he has a reputation for balancing realistic, believable characters with outrageous comedy. 

     Renowned European Maestro Martin Mazik, principal conductor of the Slovakian National Opera will return to lead the WGO Orchestra in this production. His lively tempi and inspired interpretations led Wichita Grand Opera’s Don Giovanni in 2004; Die Fledermaus in 2005, Romeo and Juliet in 2007, and A Masked Ball, La Bohème, and Faust last season. 

     WGO’s Magnificent Seventh season will be capped with the social event, “A Date with the Diva”, honoring the life and career of Joyce DiDonato and the achievements of the Wichita Grand Opera. This exclusive event will be held on April 18th at the Flint Hills National Golf Club. For more information, call 316.683.3444.

     Tickets for The Barber of Seville are available through the WGO Box Office, 316-262-8054, or through www.SelectASeat.com or any Select-A-Seat outlet. More information can be found on WGO’s website, www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.

# # #