The (Opera) Wasteland

March is cruelest month. One might even call it an opera wasteland.

It's very unusual for us to be dark for nearly two-whole months in the middle of our season. The reason why is Moby-Dick. And the economy. When the economy started circling the drain we made the decision the move Moby-Dick from 2011 to 2012. Selling new opera is hard. Selling new opera in a recession is even harder.

But San Diego Opera still has plenty to offer even though we do not open our next opera, Der Rosenkavalier, until Sunday, April 3, 2011. Our free Community Conversation series is in full swing with some exciting topics coming up in the next few weeks.

Faust's Pact With the Devil - An Interfaith Dialogue on the Concept of Evil is this Sunday, February 27th at The St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. This will be a roundtable discussion about evil with members from San Diego's Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu and Buddhist communities. It's currently sold-out but you might try your luck to see if there are any no-shows. Or, you could always make a pact with you-know-who t o secure a spot.

Next week on Tuesday, March 1 we'll be taking over European Gallery #16 at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park to talk about Rococo, Art Nouveau and the World of Der Rosenkavalier. Spots are still open for this one and you can RSVP by clicking up above.

The following Tuesday on March 8, we'll be heading over to the Torrey Pines Christian Church to talk about the role of sacrifice in relationships and how this applies to Der Rosenkavalier.

And finally, for those craving a little music, soprano Stephanie Weiss will be giving a concert at La Jolla Country Day School on Friday, March 11. Stephanie lives in Germany and is making her Company debut in Der Rosenkavalier as Marianne. Stephanie was a student at La Jolla Country Day School from fifth grade until she graduated high school. This recital marks her return home and will consist of some solo songs, songs with The Madrigals (LJCDS's choir) and a short Q&A session on what it's like to be a professional singer returning home.

Finally, for those that like opera and food - we have a Taste of Opera event at Tapenade on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. If you've never eaten at Tapenade you're missing out. If you've ever eaten at Tapenade you'll know then at $50 for a three-course meal with wine, tax and tip is a steal. Dinner guests will be joined by Dr. Nic Reveles and tenor Stephen Costello who will talk about his upcoming appearance in Faust.

We hope to see you at some (or all) of these events. And remember - Der Rosenkavalier opens on Sunday April 3, 2011 at 2 PM.

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