OPERA IN THE HEIGHTS PRESENTS "ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO"

Mozart, like many of his European contemporaries of the eighteenth century, was fascinated by Turkish music. Turkish influence is present in many compositions by Haydn and Beethoven and is especially noticeable in Mozart’s opera, “Abduction from the Seraglio,” which Opera in the Heights (OH) performs in Lambert Hall beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2006

“Opera in the Heights is pleased to honor the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth with this production of his delightful opera, ‘Abduction from the Seraglio,’” said Roy Hughes, the company’s managing director.

The opera’s exotic Turkish setting provides just the right opportunity for Mozart to sprinkle his delightful melodies with the “alla turca” flavoring of drums, cymbals and bells – enough to make one want to finish off the evening with a cup of hot, sweet Turkish coffee. Artistic director William Weibel conducts all performances of the opera which, he said, “highlights an unusual and exotic side of Mozart along with his remarkable talent for great melodies and exciting story lines.”

Christopher Fecteau, assistant conductor, and Keith Chapman, vocal coach, lend their expertise for this production which embodies all the great traditions of German singspiel: comedy, seamless structure of spoken dialogue with song, intrigue, mistaken identity and, of course, a happy ending with lovers finally reunited.

For each of the six full performances, OH engages two equally experienced casts of lead singers rather than a main cast and a cover cast. “We are pleased to have eight exciting singers sharing the major roles in this production,” said Weibel. “In choosing performers, we look for those singers that have the talent and potential to be opera’s future stars and whose careers will be enhanced by performances with OH.”

Sheri Shoemake serves as lighting and make-up designer. Costumes are by Bonnie Ambrose with Performing Arts Supply Company and made especially for this production. Roger Keele is stage director, and set designs are by Nicholas Bakaysa.

Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in Lambert Hall, 1703 Heights Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77008. The opera will be sung in German with English surtitles.

The opera opens after Konstanza has undertaken a journey with her maid, Blondchen, and servant, Pedrillo. But they are kidnapped by pirates on the open seas and sold as slaves to the rich and powerful Selim Pasha who ensconces Konstanza in his harem hoping to make her his favorite wife. The man-servant, Pedrillo, is made a gardener and Blondchen is marked out as a conquest by Osmin, the Pasha’s steward.

Pedrillo manages to bribe a messenger to bring news of their capture to Belmonte the betrothed lover of Konstanza. Belmonte wants to rescue his beloved Konstanza and disguises himself as a traveling artist who seeks work in the Pasha’s abode. Belmonte soon makes his identity known to Konstanza and all the captives make their escape. But they are pursued and recaptured by the jealous Osmin who brings them back to his master.

The despairing Konstanza confesses that the supposed artist is her lover and betrothed, whom she declares she will never abandon. Belmonte also firmly announces his same resolve in spite of the Pasha’s power to condemn them to death. But Salim Pasha is greatly impressed by the faithfulness of the lovers and their willingness to die rather than be separated, and he announces that they are free to depart to their own land once more. Osmin is full of wrath at losing the pretty Blondchen, who, very gladly departs with her sweetheart, Pedrillo. The opera ends in a happy Mozartian tumult.

Individual tickets are $41 and $31, and season subscriptions range from $93 to $144. A reduced rate for anyone under 12 or over 65 ($26 individual or $93 season) is available for any Thursday or Friday performance. Tickets and subscriptions can be purchased at www.operaintheheights.org or by contacting Opera in the Heights’ office, 1703 Heights Blvd., Houston, Texas, 713-861-5303.

OPERA IN THE HEIGHTS is a nonprofit, professional, regional opera company serving the Greater Houston area with high quality opera and concert performances in an intimate setting, at an affordable price. Each season, the company presents four fully staged and costumed productions of traditional operas, performed in the original language with English surtitles and accompanied by orchestra. It operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors, Artistic Director William Weibel and Managing Director Roy Hughes. Opera in the Heights is funded in part by grants from Texas Commission on the Arts and from the City of Houston through the Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County.