Season

CURTAINS UP: LOVE, LOSS & HOPE 
November 13, 2011 @ 2pm
The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts

Amy Johnson, who sang the title role in Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s Iowa Public Television broadcast of Salome two seasons ago, will present a recital of works by Puccini, Korngold, and Strauss. She will collaborate with Metropolitan Opera baritone Vernon Hartman, and The University of Iowa’s Shari Rhoads for an afternoon of songs, arias, and duets. Iowa Public Radio will broadcast the recital live, with host Jacqueline Halbloom, and co-host John Muriello, U of Iowa School of Music faculty member.

“Ms. Johnson is an intelligent artist and sings with confidence and impassioned lyricism.” - Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times

“Vocally, the production’s drawing card is Amy Johnson, who sang ….with a touching fervency and a strong, attractive timbre.” - Allan Kozinn, The New York Times

“….a heartbreaking declaration of impossible love, given a dark, melancholy lyricism by Amy Johnson’s lithe, impressively large soprano.” - John Fleming, Opera News

TICKETS: (319) 248-9370, or visit www.coralvillearts.org
Premiere seating :$75, includes post-concert on stage reception with the artists
Standard seating: $35
Student seating: $15 


THE MERRY WIDOW by Franz Lehár
Friday January 13, 2012 @ 8pm
Sunday January 15, 2012 @ 2pm
Theatre Cedar Rapids

Spend a little time in Paris at Maxim’s and in the pretend land of Pontevedro where economic woes weigh heavily on the country. If the wealthy widow, Hanna, remarries someone from her principality, her wealth will stay in the state’s coffers. If she marries one of the can-can loving Parisian bachelors, Pontevedro will lose its fortune. Lehár’s luscious waltz-filled score includes the haunting “Vilia,” “I’m Off To Chez Maxim’s,” and “The Merry Widow Waltz.” Orchestra Iowa performs as the opera orchestra. Live broadcast by Iowa Public Radio, hosted by Jacqueline Halbloom.

TICKETS: 319-366-8591 or visit www.theatrecr.org
Premiere seating: $55
Standard seating: $35
Student seating: $20 


THE ART OF CHOCOLATE
Saturday March 31, 2012 @ 7:30pm
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Cedar Rapids

An evening of chocolate decadence, delightful one-act opera performances, and a presentation & book signing by one of the nation’s premiere food personalities. Enjoy the comic opera, Bon Appetit by Lee Hoiby, where Julia Child (portrayed by mezzo soprano Karen Brunsson) bakes a delicious chocolate gateau right before your eyes. Be amazed at Lynne Rossetto Kasper’s (host of National Public Radio’s The Splendid Table) presentation. Round out your evening with the opera, Face on the Barroom Floor by Henry Mollicone (performed by CR Opera’s Young Artists), and then sample chocolate delectables and wines provided by Kirkwood’s Culinary Arts students while visiting with the artists & Ms. Kasper.

TICKETS: 319-365-7401
Limited Availability. All tickets $75.