Join members of the Diocese for a special performance of Pizzetti’s Murder in the Cathedral on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. Tickets Available Via Special Website with a 20% discount on most areas.
There’s also:
An exclusive Community Conversation to be held in St. Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., featuring San Diego Opera’s Artistic and General Director Ian Campbell (also stage director for this production) and San Diego Opera’s Geisel Director of Education and Outreach Dr. Nicolas Reveles. There’ll be audio clips and a chance to ask questions about the opera. After the discussion, refreshments will be served in the Great Hall.
FREE EVENT.
FAQ:
How much are tickets?
Tickets range from $45 to $210 with many price breakdowns in between. The San Diego Opera is offering a 20% discount on almost all areas. The website for purchasing tickets allows patrons to select their own pre-discounted seats) from any section of the theatre. We also waive the $7:50 handling fee. Price Chart (PDF) Purchase tickets here: www.sdopera.com/promo/offer/edsd
What else is happening on the night of the opera?
There are two extra fun elements to your night at the opera. At 5:30 p.m. there’s a free backstage tour where everyone can learn what goes on behind the infamous red curtain and find out just what it takes to make an opera happen. Then at 6 p.m., there’s a lovely VIP reception in the glamorous Beverly Sills Salon of the Civic Theatre, hosted by the Diocese. Bishop Mathes will give brief remarks and you’ll enjoying delicious hors d’ouevres.
I’ve never been to the Opera before. What do I wear?
This is San Diego – we’re pretty casual. It’s completely up to you what you wear, but I’d say most people like to dress up a little bit for such a lovely and special event. If you’re doing the backstage tour, we’d advise flat shoes as there are steps. Here’s a link to our Opera Etiquette information – hope it helps.
http://www.sdopera.com/Experience/OperaCourtesies
Will I like the music? I hope it isn’t horrible modern music with no tune .
Pizzetti’s Murder In the Cathedral is gorgeous. Written in the late 1950s at the end of the composer’s life, Pizzetti uses his three great musical influences and beliefs. He really believed that in opera, the music should match the drama. He didn’t write music that was difficult or nonsensical to his audience because he wanted to audience to engage with what was happening on stage. It is therefore extremely melodic, lyrical and accessible. He was influenced by Verdi and Puccini and also, to an extent, the impressionist composers, for example, Debussy. The music is beautiful and perfect for setting the scene in a huge Gothic cathedral. He also was fascinated with Gregorian Chant and early medieval church music, which he manages to interweave through the melodies and themes with incredible skill – perfect for the year 1170 when the opera takes place. The opera has echoes of a film score. It supports the drama and helps the audience connect to it rather than scares them away by being so atonal. The world-renowned bass-baritone, Ferrucio Furlanetto, sings the role of Thomas Becket. He has a divine voice that will melt your heart.
What language do the singers use? Will I understand the story?
At San Diego Opera we perform the operas in the languages in which they were originally written. Even though the story takes place in Canterbury, England and is based on the play by the Anglo-American playwright. T.S. Eliot, the opera was written in Italian and therefore is sung in Italian. We do however, have super titles above the stage giving an English translation throughout to help you understand even more. That said, there’s so much drama in the music you won’t find it difficult to know exactly what is happening. http://www.sdopera.com/Experience/Supertitles
Downtown? How is the parking?
San Diego Opera is perfectly located with ample and reasonably priced parking available. Click here to learn more. http://www.sdopera.com/Experience/Directions
I don’t like to drive at night? Are there any other options?
Absolutely. We recognize that this can be an issue and so we offer the Opera Caravan. http://www.sdopera.com/Experience/Directions (same link, scroll down)
More info about the production:
http://www.sdopera.com/Operas/Murder_in_the_Cathedral
