The Dallas Opera is abuzz with activity today. Sure, it’s Ian Derrer’s first official day on the job as TDO General Director/CEO, but there’s still more! While Dr. Kern Wildenthal’s serving as TDO Interim General Director/CEO since former General Director/CEO Keith Cerny’s departure in December concluded Friday, he and his wife Marnie Wildenthal are staying close to opera family.
The Wildenthals will serve as honorary co-chairs for the 2018 First Sight/ First Night in October.
Sponsored by The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family, TDO’s 2018-2019 season will kick off with an opening weekend festivities and an all-star lineup of chairs and sponsors.
It all starts off at the Winspear on Thursday, October 11, with art-loving Joyce Goss chairing First Sight presented by NorthPark Center that will also serve as “the official shopping center” for the entire weekend.
Following a reception in the eastern area of the C. Vincent Prothro lobby, guests will move into the McDermott Performance Hall for a “dramatic fashion show” produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers featuring CH Carolina Herrera fashions “utilizing the set of The Dallas Opera’s upcoming production of Georges Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ (a production originally designed by Michael Vale for Glyndebourne Festival in the UK and director by Sir David McVicar).
Guests will then attend a seated luncheon by Wolfgang Puck Catering in the western section of the Prothro Lobby overlooking Sammons Park.
According to Joyce, “I am deeply grateful to Nancy Nasher and our presenting sponsor, NorthPark Center; to Bulgari and to CH Carolina Herrera for their generous support. As a Dallas Opera patron, I’m looking forward to experiencing one masterpiece after another this fall. Our goal is to make this year’s First Sight a proud prelude to an unforgettable 2018-2019 season!”
Just 28 hours later on Friday, October 12, the Winspear will be the setting for Part Two of the weekend’s fundraising — First Night. But this time the attire will be black tie and gowns for the red carpet arrival at 5:30 p.m. Following a cocktail reception, the Wolfgang Puck Catering team will provide a fabulous seated supper setting the mood for the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of “The Flying Dutchman. After the performance featuring Greer Grimsley, Jay Hunter Morris, Anja Kampe, Mark S. Doss, Andrew Stenson and Luretta Bybee, the after-party will take place in a party tent with Downtown Fever’s 11-piece band and Dutchman cast members. Chairing this full-night extravaganza will be Shelle and Dr. Michael Sills. If the name Sills sets off operatic vibes, there’s good reason. Michael’s aunt was Beverly “Bubbles” Sills, who reigned the boards as a legendary soprano and board room as general manager of the New York City Opera and chair of Lincoln Center and the Met.
For a full-blown release on the chairs, the sponsors, the plans and The Dallas Opera season, follow the jump.
* Photo credit: Brandon Lyon
THE DALLAS OPERA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE 2018 FIRST SIGHT CHAIR JOYCE GOSS AND FIRST NIGHT CHAIRS SHELLE AND MICHAEL SILLS
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Honorary Chairs Marnie and Kern Wildenthal
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DALLAS, JULY 11, 2018 – The Dallas Opera is thrilled to announce the influential chairpersons for two of the most important fund-raising events on the 2018 Social Calendar: the FIRST SIGHT fashion show and luncheon, which is being chaired by Joyce Goss, and the all-encompassing festivities of FIRST NIGHT, being chaired by Shelle and Michael Sills.
This exceptional weekend attracts fashionistas and opera lovers from across North Texas and will combine stirring music and Wolfgang Puck’s culinary masterpieces with glimpses of a stunning luxury collection of clothing and accessories from the acclaimed fashion house of CH Carolina Herrera.
It all begins with FIRST SIGHT, presented by NorthPark Center, on Thursday, October 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center (2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201).
The kick-off event will be followed one day later by FIRST NIGHT on Friday, October 12th with a glamorous red carpet reception at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:00 p.m. with the pre-performance dinner, and, when the artists have taken their final bows—an exciting FIRST NIGHT After Party crowning two days of celebrations to mark the official Opening Night of the 2018-2019 Dallas Opera Season. FIRST NIGHT also will showcase—and take inspiration from—the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Richard Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, an opera not seen live in Dallas for more than a generation.
“I am absolutely thrilled that The Dallas Opera will be partnering with the extraordinary CH Carolina Herrera brand to enable FIRST SIGHT—which in a few short years has become a firmly-established fashion institution in Dallas—to rise to the next level,” said FIRST SIGHT Chair Joyce Goss. “I am deeply grateful to Nancy Nasher and our presenting sponsor, NorthPark Center; to Bulgari; and to CH Carolina Herrera for their generous support of FIRST SIGHT.”
“As a Dallas Opera patron, I’m looking forward to experiencing one masterpiece after another this fall,” she added, “Our goal is to make this year’s FIRST SIGHT a proud prelude to an unforgettable 2018-19 Season!”
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“There are many things that drive the economic engine of a phenomenal city like Dallas,” explains FIRST NIGHT Co-Chair Shelle Sills, “but the city’s heart will always belong to art.
“Art has the power to unite and uplift us, regardless of just how much or how little exposure to the arts we have personally experienced. Art has the capacity to alter individual expectations, outlooks and outcomes. It changes lives each and every day.
“Without regular art and music education as part of the standard public school curriculum, K through 12,” she adds, “our community must rely on effective educational outreach designed to bring artists and their art forms to those with the greatest need—and The Dallas Opera has been at the forefront of these efforts with free simulcasts, budget-minded family performances, teacher training, and a variety of special programs.
“Knowing how much our local opera company gives back to the people of Dallas, Michael and I are extremely proud to serve as co-chairs of this year’s FIRST NIGHT!”
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Marnie and Kern Wildenthal will serve as Honorary Chairs for both of The Dallas Opera’s signature social events. Dr. Wildenthal is currently serving, pro bono, as Interim General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera.
Marnie Wildenthal was honored with the 2015 “Award for Excellence” in Education from the Dallas Historical Society. Marnie has held board leadership positions with organizations including The Dallas Opera, Uplift Education, the Dallas County Community College District, Highland Park ISD Foundation, TACA, and Charter 100, while simultaneously serving as a popular middle-school teacher for 30 years at the Episcopal School of Dallas.
Dr. and Mrs. Wildenthal’s dedicated service to the community and the fine arts was recognized with the Juanita and Henry Miller Founders’ Award from The Women’s Board of The Dallas Opera, as well as the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award from Texas Woman’s University. Marnie is also the recipient of the Literary Legacy Award from VMLC.
Dr. Kern Wildenthal, a legendary civic, medical, and business leader who chaired TDO’s Board from 2008 to 2012 (during its move to the Winspear Opera House), has been a loyal supporter of the company for many years. In 2015, Mrs. Eugene McDermott and the McDermott Foundation made major 7-figure gifts to endow the company’s top job and to honor Dr. Wildenthal by naming the position—in perpetuity—“The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO.” He will be succeeded in mid-July by the incoming head of the company, Ian Derrer.
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NORTHPARK CENTER
Official Shopping Center of The Dallas Opera Opening Weekend Celebrations
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FOR TICKETS AND INFORMATION ON FIRST SIGHT AND FIRST NIGHT:
Contact Dallas Opera Special Events Manager Tracy Mott at [email protected] or visit www.dallasopera.org/firstnight.
FIRST SIGHT – 2018:
Thursday, October 11, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Socialites, benefactors, and avid supporters of the performing arts in North Texas will gather in the Winspear Opera House lobby for a pre-show reception, while the other half of the space is transformed into an airy, flower-bedecked dining room for a superb seated luncheon (themed to our 2018-2019 Season) by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
The reception will be followed by a dramatic fashion show, actually taking place on the Winspear Opera House stage – utilizing the set of The Dallas Opera’s upcoming production of Georges Bizet’s Carmen (a production originally designed by Michael Vale for Glyndebourne Festival Opera in the UK and directed by Sir David McVicar).
The highlight of the 2018 FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show will be ultra-sophisticated designs created by CH Carolina Herrera.
The FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show will be produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Show Productions. Tables start at $5,000; individual tickets are available. For additional information about FIRST SIGHT or to purchase tickets, please visit www.dallasopera.org/firstsight or contact Special Events Manager Tracy Mott (see above).
FIRST NIGHT – 2018:
Friday, October 12, 2018 from 5:30 p.m until 1:30 a.m.
Opera lovers love opening night, and nothing is more exciting than Opening Night of the Season! FIRST NIGHT is your chance to put on that fabulous gown and be photographed on the red carpet, your chance to enjoy an elegant cocktail reception with friends, savor a very special seated theme dinner— The Flying Dutchman—by Wolfgang Puck Catering. Then return to the party tent when the opera ends to find it transformed for the lively After Party featuring an 11-piece band, Downtown Fever, that kicks the celebration into high gear with all your dance favorites: classics, standards, even today’s hits. Hobnob with the internationally acclaimed cast of The Flying Dutchman and indulge your appetites with midnight treats! Visit www.dallasopera.org/firstnight or contact Special Events Manager Tracy Mott at [email protected].
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ABOUT FIRST SIGHT CHAIR JOYCE SEAY GOSS
Joyce Seay Goss is the Executive Director of The Goss-Michael Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, where she dedicates herself to building the foundation’s community outreach, contributing to Dallas’ thriving artistic community and enhancing the public’s familiarity and interaction with mid-career and emerging British contemporary artists.
After earning a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin, Joyce began her career with Texas Western Mortgage where she received training as a residential mortgage loan officer. From 1994-2006, she served as vice president and partner of Houston-based Summit Mortgage Corporation.
After twenty years in the mortgage industry, Joyce joined Goss Gallery, founded by Kenny Goss and music icon George Michael, where she served as director. In 2007, Goss and Michael decided to take the gallery in a new direction. Joyce was asked to lead the transition from a business to a nonprofit foundation. As a leader with The Goss-Michael Foundation, Joyce initiated educational programs and increased the Foundation’s community outreach. One such endeavor was launching and hosting the successful MTV RE:DEFINE for MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation in September 2011. Now in its 7th year, the internationally-acclaimed art auction and gala has raised over $10 million for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Dallas Contemporary, a non-collecting art museum.
Joyce has served as President of the Board of Directors of The Family Place, North Texas’ largest domestic violence service provider, and is currently serving on The Family Place Foundation Board. She is Vice President of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s Great Plains Region; serves on the boards of Dallas Contemporary and the Aging Mind Foundation; and sits on the Advisory Council of the Nasher Sculpture Center. As an active fundraiser for various non-profit organizations, Joyce has chaired numerous events including The Family Place’s Palm Night, the North Texas Food Bank’s Food4Kids campaign (2009-2011 and 2014-2016), TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art, the inaugural Dallas UNICEF Experience in 2012, MTV RE:DEFINE benefitting MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Dallas Contemporary, UNICEF’s Children First Gala, Annie’s List Luncheon, Dallas Women’s Foundation Annual Luncheon and Planned Parenthood’s Annual Dallas Awards Luncheon. A recipient of numerous awards, Joyce received Pi Beta Phi’s Unsung Angel Award in 2015, the North Texas Food Bank’s Volunteer of the year for 2016, FGI Dallas Art Patron of The Year for 2017, and was chosen as a NorthPark Center Ambassador in 2017.
Joyce is also an entrepreneur. Along with her sister, she owns Legacy Turfgrass, one of only a handful of women-owned turfgrass farms in the United States. The farmland, owned by her family for over 150 years, is located near her hometown of Pleasanton, Texas.
Joyce Goss is married to Dallas lawyer Tim Goss and has a daughter, Greer, a recent graduate of the University of Virginia who is currently attending the University of Texas School of Law.
ABOUT FIRST NIGHT CO-CHAIRS
SHELLE AND MICHAEL SILLS
Shelle Sills, a Dallas native, is a graduate of Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School the Arts, where she majored in theatre and dance.
Beginning with her own store, The Gazebo, Shelle Sills pursued a successful career in the retail industry that included 14 years as Vice President of Neiman Marcus in Downtown Dallas. Most recently, she worked for the Headington Companies in retail development.
She has been actively involved in the revitalization of Downtown Dallas for decades and served as Chairman of Downtown Dallas, Inc. and on the TIF Board for the City of Dallas.
Her civic commitments include the Executive Committee of the Salvation Army, member of the Crystal Charity Ball, board member of JDRF, board of Camp Sweeney, advisor for Cattle Baron’s Ball, the board of the Meadows School of the Arts, advisory board member of Council for Life, Underwriting Chair 2018 for Celebrating Women and a member of Charter 100, Dallas Assembly, The Dallas Woman’s Club, and The Board of Aging Mind Foundation.
Shelle and Michael are members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church where she is an active member of women’s ministries.
Michael Sills spent most of his early years in NYC (but, to paraphrase a popular saying, “came to Texas as quickly as he could”). His aunt was the late Beverly Sills, the legendary soprano and general manager of New York City Opera, who went on to serve as chairwoman of Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera.
Michael Sills is an MD, MHA and is currently the managing partner of Cardiology Consultants of Texas, a 23-member cardiology practice. He is an Attending Cardiologist at Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor Scott and White Heart and Vascular Hospital in Dallas. He is a member of the Board of Directors of HealthTexas Provider Network, the 1000+ physician group of employed physicians at BSW Health as well as the co-lead for the Cardiology section which comprises more than 100 cardiologists. He has also served on the Board of the American Heart Association and Ability Connection of Texas.
Shelle and Michael have been married thirteen years and have four adult children. They are celebrating the recent birth of one grandchild and looking forward to the arrival of two more.
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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
Founded in 1957, The Dallas Opera is an internationally-recognized innovator dedicated to the overall advancement of the operatic art form and the support of established and emerging artists, as well as the education and development of new opera audiences in North Texas—and beyond. These goals are achieved by commissioning and producing world-class opera; through ground-breaking institutes, national competitions and topical programs; and by presenting opera in both traditional and non-traditional formats and venues in order to attract patrons of every age, background, educational level, and ethnicity—while engaging with more than 87,000 people in our community each year. TDO is equally committed to the task of responsible stewardship and is managed with efficiency and accountability, to the highest possible standards.
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2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at [email protected]
The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation; Texas Instruments Foundation; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; The Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera. Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.
TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2018-2019 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale now; single Tickets range from $19 to $289 and go on sale to the public on July 9, 2018. Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2018-2019 MAINSTAGE SEASON
The Dallas Opera celebrates its 62nd International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN by Richard Wagner
- October 12, 14 (m), 17 & 20, 2018
- The season sets sail with Wagner’s sweeping, romantic masterpiece – not seen in Dallas since 1994!
- Time: the German Expressionist 1920s
- Place: the coast of Norway
- Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
- Original Director: Christopher Alden
- Set Designer: Allen Moyer
- Costume Designer: Allen Moyer
- Lighting Designer: Anne Militello
- Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
- Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Greer Grimsley (The Dutchman), Anja Kampe* (Senta), Jay Hunter Morris (Erik), Mark S. Doss (Daland), Luretta Bybee (Mary) and Andrew Stenson (Steersman).
CARMEN by Georges Bizet
- October 19, 21 (m), 24, 27, November 2 & 4 (m), 2018
- The woman who won’t be owned returns to The Dallas Opera stage!
- Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy
- Time: 19th century
- Place: Seville, Spain and the surrounding countryside
- Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume and Pierre Vallet (10/24 and 11/2)
- Original Director: Sir David McVicar
- Revival Director: Jack Furness
- Set Designer: Michael Vale
- Costume Designer: Sue Blane
- Lighting Designer: Clare O’Donoghue
- Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
- Original Choreographer: Andrew George
- Revival Choreographer: Andrzej Glosniak
Starring: Stephanie D’Oustrac* (Carmen), Stephen Costello (Don José), Vanessa Vasquez* (Micaëla), Alexander Vinogradov (Escamillo), Sarah Tucker* (Frasquita), Lindsay Metzger* (Mercédès), Rafael Moras (El Remendado), Corey Crider (El Dancairo), Ben Wager (Zuniga), Gideon Dabi* (Morales).
MANON LESCAUT by Giacomo Puccini
- March 1, 3 (m), 6, 9, 2019
- The woman who has everything discovers too late that she has nothing – without true love!
- Libretto by Domenico Oliva and Luigi Illica
- Time: Late 18th century
- Place: France and America
- Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
- Director: TBA
- Set Designer: TBA
- Costume Designer: TBA
- Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
- Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
- Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Kristin Lewis* (Manon Lescaut), Musa Ngqungwana (Lescaut), Gregory Kunde (Chevalier des Grieux), Geronte de Ravoir (Andrea Silvestrelli), Jonas Hacker* (Edmondo), Mark S. Doss (Innkeeper), Alyssa Martin (Singer), Matthew Grills (Dance Master), Clay Hilley* (Lamplighter), Mark McCrory (Sergeant of the Royal Archers) and David Leigh* (Naval Captain).
LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini
- March 15, 17 (m), 20, 23, 29, 31 (m), 2019
- The most timeless love story in all of opera returns to break your heart!
- Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
- Time: 19th century
- Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France
- Conductor: Giuliano Carella
- Director: Tomer Zvulun
- Set Designer: Erhard Rom
- Costume Designer: Peter J. Hall
- Lighting Designer: Robert Wierzel
- Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
- Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Jean-Francois Borras* (Rodolfo), Pumeza Matshikiza* (Mimi), Anthony Clark Evans* (Marcello), Sara Gartland (Musetta), Will Liverman* (Schaunard), Nicholas Brownlee* (Colline), and Samuel Ramey (Benoit/Alcindoro).
FALSTAFF by Giuseppe Verdi
- April 26, 28 (m), May 1, 4, 2019
- Shakespeare’s uproarious comedy brought to musical life!
- Libretto by Arrigo Boito
- Time: During the reign of Henry IV of England
- Place: Windsor
- Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
- Original Director: Lee Blakeley
- Revival Director: Shawna Lucey
- Set Designer: Adrian Linford
- Costume Designer: Adrian Linford
- Lighting Designer: Rick Fisher
- Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
- Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Mark Delevan* (Sir John Falstaff), Angela Meade* (Alice Ford), Quinn Kelsey* (Ford), Mojca Erdmann* (Nanetta), Airam Hernandez* (Fenton), Stephanie Blythe* (Dame Quickly), Megan Marino* (Meg Page), Alex Mansoori* (Bardolfo), Andrea Silvestrelli (Pistola), and Robert Brubaker (Dr. Caius).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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