Opera producing ?Romeo and Juliet?

Forbidden love, intrigue, and romance are central themes in Nashville Opera?s production of Charles Gounod?s Romeo and Juliet. Based on Shakespeare?s play, Gounod?s opera includes exciting sword fights, lush arias, and an enduring romantic story- ideal for St. Valentine?s Day. The company will offer three evening performances at 8 p.m.: Fri., January 26, Fri., February 2, and Sat., February 3. In addition, a 2 p.m. matinee will be presented on Sun., January 28. Performances will be in the Tennessee Performing Arts Center?s James K. Polk Theater. Seats range from $17-$80. For tickets, call Nashville Opera at (615) 832-5242 or on-line at www.nashvilleopera.org. Romeo and Juliet is sung in French with projected English translations.

Nashville Opera is the first professional opera company to offer a synchronized director?s commentary during a live production with Apple?s iPod technology. Director John Hoomes, principal cast members, and production crew will provide content for the audio programs to coincide with the February 2 and 3 performances. Special ticket packages are available which allow participants to experience the opera on either January 26 or 28, and then return the following weekend to learn about the behind-the-scenes aspects of Romeo and Juliet. The podcast program will be available for free download from Apple?s iTunes on February 1, but participants will need to provide their own iPod. Zune users can download MP3 formatted files from the Nashville Opera website: www.nashvilleopera.org. Call Nashville Opera at (615) 832-5242 for information.

The husband and wife duo of tenor Jonathan Boyd and Malinda Haslett perform the title roles of Romeo and Juliet. The production features the Nashville Symphony under the direction of Maestro Dean Williamson. Other principal artists include bass Marc Embree, tenor Eric Johnston; bass Philip Cokorinos; baritone Lee Gregory, mezzo-soprano Olivia Ward; baritone Gregory Gerbrant; tenor Nephi Sanchez, soprano Crystal Jarrell, and baritone Mark Wanich.

?Gounod?s Romeo and Juliet is a wonderful adaptation of Shakespeare?s famous tale of the two ill-fated lovers,? says John Hoomes. ?But this time, the story is brought to thrilling life with some of the most beautiful and romantic music written for the lyric stage.?

In September 1997, Nashville Opera merged with Tennessee Opera Theatre and the Nashville Opera Guild becoming Middle Tennessee?s only professional opera organization, the Nashville Opera Association. In a typical season, the Opera produces four main-stage productions and a six week education tour to area schools, conducts a three-month residency Young Artist Program for young professional singers, and produces numerous community outreach programs.

Since 1995, when Carol Penterman and John Hoomes became Executive Director and Artistic Director, respectively, Nashville Opera has quadrupled its operating budget and increased audience attendance a dramatic 350%.