2022-23 Season of Opera and Dance - Detroit Opera

2022-23 Season of Opera and Dance

Yuval Sharon HeadshotAfter a whirlwind couple of years, the 22-23 season sees us returning to the Detroit Opera House – but expect the unexpected, as each opera will take you somewhere new. From beloved classics to exciting company premieres, from high-tech stage wizardry to the pure musical experience of opera-in-concert, and closing with a work that will use Detroit as its canvas – you won’t want to miss a beat of what we have in store. Join us as we establish a new vision for the art form, inviting you to imagine, to question, and to embrace what this artform means for us today.

Yuval Sharon
Gary L. Wasserman Artistic Director

We’re excited to bring you a dance series that showcases a full spectrum of genres and truly world class talent. Join us for a season that offers everything from contemporary dance to classical ballet - performances that pay homage to iconic choreographers Alvin Ailey and George Balanchine with the presentation of original signature works such as Revelations and Serenade - and enjoy the creativity of reimagined productions of The Nutcracker and Swan Lake by two of today’s foremost contemporary choreographers, Mark Morris and Angelin Preljocaj. Finally, full seasons of dance are back at the Detroit Opera House.

Jon Teeuwissen
Artistic Advisor for Dance

Jump to Dance Season

 

2022-23 Opera Season

 

The Valkyries

SEP 17 / SAT / 7:30 PM
SEP 18 / SUN / 2:30 PM
SEP 20 / TUE / 7:30 PM

 

MUSIC AND LIBRETTO BY RICHARD WAGNER
DIRECTOR: YUVAL SHARON
CONDUCTOR: SIR ANDREW DAVIS
A CO-PRODUCTION
WITH LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC

 

Wagner’s best-known music – seen & heard like never before

A high-tech treatment of the most famous act in Wagner’s Ring Cycle makes this an experience you will not want to miss. Detroit Opera’s own Yuval Sharon and Christine Goerke join forces in this unique production which zooms in on the drama of Act III, beginning with the unforgettable “Ride of the Valkyries” and ending with “Magic Fire Music.”

Photo credit: Opera Omaha

Faust

NOV 12 / SAT / 7:30 PM
NOV 18 / FRI / 7:30 PM
NOV 20 / SUN / 2:30 PM

MUSIC: CHARLES GOUNOD
LIBRETTO: JULES BARBIER AND MICHEL CARRÉ
DIRECTOR: LILEANA BLAIN-CRUZ
CONDUCTOR: VALERIO GALLI
A PRODUCTION FROM OPERA OMAHA

 

The original vision behind one of the world’s favorite operas

With music that has almost never been heard in 150 years, this version restores Gounod’s original version – with newly discovered scenes and music – in a revelatory take on the classic story about a deal with the devil. American stars Talise Trevigne and Jonathan Johnson star as Marguerite and Faust, with Robert Pomakov as Méphistophélès.

Aida in Concert*

(add-on performance)

DEC 30 / FRI / 6:30 PM

MUSIC BY GIUSEPPE VERDI
LIBRETTO BY ANTONIO GHISLANZONI
CONDUCTOR: JONATHON HEYWARD

 

An all-star cast takes on Verdi’s monumental masterpiece

A rare peek behind the spectacle of the intimate drama and stunning music Verdi was a master of weaving together. A special one-night-only offering with a stellar cast: Detroit Opera’s own Christine Goerke and soprano Angel Blue both make role debuts under the baton of Jonathon Heyward.

Photo credit: Karli Cadel / The Glimmerglass Festival

Xerxes

MAR 4  / SAT / 7:30 PM
MAR 10 / FRI / 7:30 PM
MAR 12 / SUN / 2:30 PM

MUSIC BY GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL
LIBRETTO ADAPTED FROM ONE BY SILVIO STAMPIGLIA
ORIGINAL PRODUCTION CREATED BY TAZEWELL THOMPSON
REVIVAL DIRECTOR: JAMES BLASZKO
CONDUCTOR: DAME JANE GLOVER
A PRODUCTION FROM GLIMMERGLASS OPERA

 

Rediscover what makes Baroque opera great

A fast-paced mix of comedy and drama, this was Handel at his most innovative – and Tazewell Thompson’s striking and sumptuous production brings out all of its many wonders. The jaw-dropping musicality of countertenor Key’mon Murrah and soprano Lauren Snouffer will make this an unforgettable feast for the senses, with the renowned Handel specialist Jane Glover conducting.

Osvaldo Golijov, one of the most exciting composers working today.

Ainadamar

APR 8  / SAT / 7:30 PM
APR 14 / FRI / 7:30 PM
APR 16 / SUN / 2:30 PM

MUSIC BY OSVALDO GOLIJOV
LIBRETTO BY DAVID HENRY HWANG
DIRECTOR: DEBORAH COLKER
CONDUCTOR: PAOLO BORTOLAMEOLLI
A CO-PRODUCTION OF OPERA VENTURES AND SCOTTISH OPERA

 

One of opera’s most original voices lets passion and poetry overflow

Flamenco, rumba rhythms, and classical singing are woven together by one of today’s most exciting composers, Osvaldo Golijov. Ainadamar (“Fountain of Tears”) tells the tragic story of legendary poet, playwright, and national icon Federico García Lorca, assassinated by fascists during the Spanish Civil War. The score is “destined to be among the great musical achievements of our time,” raves the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

 

2022-23 Dance Season

Credit: Alonzo King

Alonzo King Lines Ballet

 

OCT 22 / SAT / 7:30 PM
OCT 23 / SUN / 2:30 PM

 

Change the way you look at ballet

“Alonzo King is one of the few bona fide visionaries in the ballet world today” writes the San Francisco Chronicle. Now, exquisitely talented dancers bring their signature combination of contemporary choreography and a classical ballet esthetic to Detroit for this 40th anniversary tour. Featuring the music of jazz composer Jason Moran.

Credit: Ballet Preljocaj

Ballet Preljocaj: Swan Lake

 

FEB 17 / FRI / 7:30 PM
FEB 18 / SAT / 7:30 PM
FEB 19 / SUN / 2:30 PM

 
 

A visionary take on a masterpiece bridging ballet and modern dance.

Contemporary ballet superstar Angelin Preljocaj tackles the Mount Everest of the dance world, which combines Tchaikovsky’s musical masterpiece with contemporary arrangements in a reinvention of the timeless tale into a contemporary ecological tragedy. With 26 dancers, this Swan Lake truly takes flight in its beautiful tribute to the original. In partnership with University Musical Society, Ann Arbor.

Photo credit: Dario Calmese

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

 

MAR 17 / FRI / 7:30 PM
MAR 18 / SAT / 7:30 PM
MAR 19 / SUN / 2:30 PM

 

"Watching Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater can change your life.” - The New York Post

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has for more than 50 years entertained generations, transcended barriers and celebrated the African American cultural experience. Now, under the leadership of visionary artistic director Robert Battle, don’t miss this Detroit favorite as they honor the legacy of their founder while developing the next generation of choreographers.

Credit: The State Ballet of Georgia

The State Ballet of Georgia

 

APR 29 / SAT / 7:30 PM
APR 30 / SUN / 2:30 PM

 

A rare US appearance from this world-class ballet company.

International ballet star Nina Ananiashvili (former prima ballerina with Bolshoi Ballet, The Royal Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre) leads this dynamic group with a program of mostly George Balanchine, considered one of the most important choreographers of the last century, accompanied by full orchestra.

 

2022-23 Add-ons

Mark Morris Dance Group: The Hard Nut*

 

DEC 3 / SAT / 7:30 PM
DEC 4 / SUN / 2:30 PM

 

Not your usual Nutcracker

Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music (with live orchestra), Mark Morris Dance Group’s Hard Nut is a beloved retro-modern reimagining of The Nutcracker, which channels the warm spirit of this holiday tradition into the swinging 70s. “Fun and amazement dance in the same steps” The New York Times writes.
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* Aida in Concert and the Hard Nut are eligible to be added to any subscription packages for a discounted rate. Alternatively, these concerts are eligible as options for a Choose Your Own 6 package (Mix Packs).
** Ticketing and performance information on the Detroit-Specific Project will be announced at a later date.