| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Star-studded production of Puccini’s Tosca comes to the Gaillard
A gala performance to benefit Charleston arts organizations |
| CHARLESTON, March 1, 2018 – Daniel Island Performing Arts Center- Daniel Island Performing Arts Center announces that it is partnering with the City of Charleston and Charleston Symphony Orchestra to present a gala benefit performance of Puccini’s heart-pounding thriller Tosca, one of the world’s most popular and frequently performed operas. Boasting a powerhouse leading cast that has appeared in their respective roles on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera, the production promises a “not to be missed” event on the Charleston arts calendar. |
A special collaboration
The gala benefit performance of Tosca will serve to support area arts organizations including the Daniel Island Performing Arts Center, its contributing organizations and Charleston Symphony Orchestra. A unique collaborative effort, this performance of Tosca represents a partnering of Charleston’s considerable artistic and musical resources with visiting artists of international renown. Mayor John Tecklenburg, commenting on the enormous potential of the collaboration added, “We are thrilled to be a partner in this exceptional event. Charleston is home to a vibrant arts community, and I look forward to the opportunity for our citizens to enjoy the sounds of Tosca while contributing to a great cause.”Producing Director Scott Flaherty, the artistic force behind Charleston’s acclaimed, sold-out performances of Bizet’s Carmen featuring Metropolitan Opera star Denyce Graves has assembled the production and will stage direct. Musical direction falls to maestro Michael Recchiuti, one of the notably gifted American conductors of his generation. The duo will lead more than 125 artists in bringing to life one of Puccini’s most magnificent and enduring scores. Said Flaherty, “We have put together a truly first-rate cast, one that could be heard on the great opera stages of the world on a given evening. Charleston is in for a real treat!”
Nigel Redden, Executive Director of Spoleto Festival USA, offered enthusiastic support for the compelling production declaring, “Charleston deserves to have opera productions throughout the year. I applaud the team mounting Tosca.”
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A star-studded cast
Heading a star-studded cast of principal artists is internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano, Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs, who came to renown in the title role of Tosca with an international broadcast from the stage of the Metropolitan Opera for Sirius Satellite Radio. The villainous Baron Scarpia is baritone Mark Delevan, who has made a touchstone of the role with major opera companies around the world including the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera and a national PBS telecast of Live from Lincoln Center.The opera
At the heart of Puccini’s epic dramatic struggle of political power is a love triangle involving a fiery prima donna, her political rebel lover and a chief of police whose treachery is limitless in his lustful pursuit of Tosca. Set against the backdrop of Napoleon’s invasion of Italy, Puccini’s beloved masterpiece is chock-full of soaring melodies and some of the most beautiful arias to be heard in all of opera. Tosca will be presented Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 7:30 pm at Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC. Purchase tickets at the Gaillard Center Box Office, GaillardCenter.org or by calling (843) 242-3099. |
About Daniel Island Performing Arts Center
The Daniel Island Performing Arts Center will serve as a vibrant gathering space in the heart of the growing metro Charleston community. A center of artistic innovation, DIPAC will offer sponsored programs featuring visiting artists of international stature while serving as an incubator for the development of innovative new works in music, theater and dance that will make the DIPAC a destination location for the arts. A non-profit 501(c)(3), DIPAC will be at the forefront of reforming traditional arts education with its in-residence entities and bold educational outreach initiatives. DIPAC will feature a 600-seat proscenium theater, exhibition/event spaces, meeting areas, rehearsal/classroom spaces and multi-purpose rooms. The facility will support a variety of businesses, community organizations, restaurants, shops and hotels in the central business district of Daniel Island. |
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Contact:
Betsy Brabham, Director of Advancement
Daniel Island Performing Arts Center
Phone: 843-284-1106
betsy.brabham@danielislandpac.com
danielislandpac.com |
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