News from Sarasota Opera - The Hobbit

Hello Everyone,

Evelyn here,

It has been a while, however, below is news of an exciting event coming to the Sarasota Opera House May 9th & 10th.

Sarasota Youth Opera presents the U.S. premiere of The Hobbit After an exciting year during which they toured Italy, the Sarasota Youth Opera returns to present the U.S. premiere of The Hobbit on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. and May 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House. The prequel to The Lord of the Rings, the opera recounts how the comfort-loving Bilbo Baggins, unwillingly dragged into a heroic quest, accidentally acquires the golden ring of power. Opera Now magazine praised Canadian composer Dean Burry for his "rhythmically vital and melodic music." The Youth Opera members will be conducted by Sarasota Youth Opera Music Director Lance Inouye, with staging by Martha Collins, sets by Jeffrey W. Dean, and costumes by B.G. Fitzgerald. Don't miss this landmark production. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $50 for a Family Pack for 2 adults and up to 4 students. Call the box office at (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 or buy online at http://www.sarasotaopera.org. Sarasota Youth Opera Corporate Supporter Youth Opera Reception and Silent Auction Help support Sarasota Youth Opera Programs by attending the Youth Opera Dessert and Champagne Reception following the opening night performance of The Hobbit on May 9. The evening will also feature an auction with items ranging from wine and gift baskets, dinner for two, round of golf for four at The Concession, original artwork, artisan jewelry, 1966 collector's edition of The Hobbit, to Gandalf's hat autographed by all cast members and the composer, and a framed, handwritten music score signed by composer Dean Burry. Check the current list of items on our website. New items are being added to the list daily. Tickets to the Youth Opera Dessert Reception and Auction are $25 per adult, $10 per student, and $60 for a family of up to 2 adults and 2 students. Call the box office today or order online at http://www.sarasotaopera.org. Youth Opera Dessert Reception and Auction Sponsor Tolkien Exhibit at Selby Library Check out the Tolkien display at Selby Library featuring Sarasota Opera Director of Education Karl Hesser's private Tolkien collection along with artwork by Youth Opera member Alex Caragiulo. The collection will be available for viewing May 1 and will remain on display though the month of May.

2008 Youth Opera Production The U.S. premiere of Dean Burry's The Hobbit adpated from J.R.R. Tolkien. May 9 at 7:30 p.m. May 10 at 1:30 p.m. Subscriptions for the 2008-2009 Season now on sale. The Barber of Seville / Rossini November 7, 12, and 14 at 8 p.m. November 9 and 16 at 1:30 p.m. Tosca / Puccini February 7, 10, 18, 22, March 6, 12, 18, 20, and 26 at 8 p.m. February 15, March 14, and 29 at 1:30 p.m. The Elixir of Love / Donizetti February 14, 17, 19, 25, March 8, 13, 24, and 27. February 22 and March 21 at 1:30 p.m. L'amico Fritz / Mascagni February 24, 26, March 11, 14, and 21 at 8 p.m. March 1 at 1:30 p.m. Don Carlos / Verdi March 7, 10, 19, 25, and 28 at 7 p.m. March 15 and 22 at 1:30 p.m. A Sarasota Youth Opera World Premiere Little Nemo in Slumberland / Rorem May 8, 2009 at 8 p.m. May 9, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. Box office hours Through April 13: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live online sales www.sarasotaopera.org Sarasota Opera 61 N. Pineapple Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 366-8450, ext. 1 1-888-OPERA-12