Moores Opera Center Celebrates 25 Years with 'Don Giovanni,' 'Cunning Little Vixen'

For 25 years, the Moores Opera Center has entertained audiences with a perfect blend of classic and contemporary works. To kick off its silver anniversary, the center will present two very different classics: "Don Giovanni" and "The Cunning Little Vixen." Performances are Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 in the University of Houston's Moores Opera House.

In Mozart's "Don Giovanni," the titular character's lustful conquests have grave consequences, while Leos Janáček's family-friendly fantasy "Vixen" reflects on the cycle of life and death.

"Don Giovanni" premiered in 1789 and is one of Mozart's most popular and provocative works. It focuses on the title character's insatiable and dangerous appetite for the opposite sex. Audiences have long thrilled to this melodrama with supernatural overtones, particularly its chilling climax.

For its first-ever production of "Don Giovanni," the Moores Opera Center will put a unique spin on Mozart's masterpiece.

"We're updating this classic and setting it in Washington D.C.," said Buck Ross, director of the Moores Opera Center. "The opera's sexual politics will play out effectively in the Capitol."

Directed by Joseph Evans and conducted by special guest Russell Young, "Don Giovanni" will be performed in English.

Based on a comic strip serial, "The Cunning Little Vixen" premiered in the Czech Republic in 1924. Its story follows the relationship between a forester and a vixen. The two are brought together when the forester makes her a pet. Although she escapes, they remain connected through the years. Both man and animal experience life's changes. Ultimately, a fateful event has a profound effect on both their lives.

Directed by Ross and conducted by doctoral student Dominique Royem, "The Cunning Little Vixen" is a perfect family opera (although no infants will be allowed). It will be performed in English.

Tickets are $15 and $10 for students and seniors. For additional details on tickets, call the Moores box office at 713-743-3313 or visit http://www.music.uh.edu/opera/boxoffice.asp.

 

WHAT: "Don Giovanni," "The Cunning Little Vixen"
WHEN: "Don Giovanni": 7:30 p.m., Jan. 28, 30, 31
"The Cunning Little Vixen": 7:30 p.m., Jan. 29, Feb. 1; 2 p.m., Jan. 31.
WHERE: Moores Opera House - University of Houston - Entrance 16 off of Cullen Boulevard
WHO:td> Edythe Bates Old Moores Opera Center at UH's Moores School of Music