Opera Pacific Taps St.Clair to Open Season

Pacific Symphony music director Carl St.Clair will make his Opera Pacific debut conducting Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” from Nov. 7-12 to kick off the Irvine-based company’s four-opera season at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa.

The company will present three other operas--including its first performances of Verdi’s “Macbeth” and Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavlier”--to complete its 2000-01 season.

Due to past ticket demand, the company has added a fifth performance--on Friday nights--for each opera.

Opera Pacific will also reprise its outdoor “Festa Italiana” in September at Irvine Bowl in Laguna Beach.

In “The Magic Flute,” Pamela Armstrong, also making a company debut, will sing Pamina. David Miller will sing Tamino, and Jan Grissom will sing Queen of the Night.

Dorothy Danner will direct the production designed by Maurice Sendak in 1980 for the Houston Grand Opera.

The Segerstrom Hall subscription series continues:

* Jan. 18-21, 2001: Verdi’s “Macbeth.” Paul Fink and Gordon Hawkins will alternate in the title role. Audrey Stottler and Cynthia Lawrence will alternate as Lady Macbeth. Carlo Ventre will sing Macduff. Eric Owens will be Banquo.

Opera Pacific artistic director John DeMain will conduct. Colin Graham will direct the 1992 production designed by Ramon Lopez for Teatro Municipal de Santiago, Chile.

* Feb. 20-25: Bizet’s “Carmen.” Irina Mishura and Angela Horn will alternate in the title role. Mark Baker and Carl Tanner will alternate as Don Jose. Jeffrey Wells will sing Escamillo. Robin Follman will be Micaela.

DeMain will conduct “Carmen.” Ron Daniels will direct a new co-production with Houston Grand Opera and Michigan Opera Theatre. Riccardo Hernandez will design the sets. Constance Hoffman will be the costume designer.

* April 3-8: Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier.” Helen Donath and Elizabeth Holleque will alternate as the Marschallin. Patricia Risley and Deanne Meek will alternate as Octavian. Daniel Lewis Williams will sing Baron Ochs. Tonna Miller will be Sophie.

DeMain will conduct. Dieter Kaegi will direct this 1997 production (with designer Bruno Schwengl) for Seattle Opera.

Subscriptions to the four operas, ranging from $105 to $552, will go on sale March 1. Tickets for individual operas, ranging from $32 to $107, will go on sale Sept. 1.

Preceding the subscription season, “Festa Italiana” will take place Sept. 16, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. in Irvine Bowl. DeMain will lead a cast including soprano Laura Claycomb, mezzo-soprano Ruxandra Donose, tenor Gregory Turay, baritone Earle Partiarco and bass David Michael. Tickets: $25-$75.

Opera Pacific is also collaborating with the Performing Arts Center to present Denyce Graves and Kathleen Battle in separate recitals in 2001, Jan. 26 and Feb. 11, respectively.

Information: (800) 346-7372.