The Marriage of Figaro at McCaw Hall

Seattle Opera’s 2021/22 season goes out with a bang as the company  mounts a cherished opera alongside a host of events that highlight up-and-coming  voices. 

The final mainstage opera of the season is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s crafty  comedy The Marriage of Figaro (May 7–22, 2022 at McCaw Hall). Beloved for its  irresistible melodies, iconic ensemble numbers, and witty commentary on social  class and gender roles, this opera has long been a favorite of audiences and critics  alike. 

The Marriage of Figaro has survived for almost 250 years because the story it tells  remains fresh and perpetually alive,” says the opera’s stage director, Peter  Kazaras. “We recognize the characters and sympathize with their plights. On their  wedding day, Figaro and Susanna must not only surmount obstacles hurled into  their path, but also continue to fulfill their daily responsibilities—if only others would  let them!”

Kazaras’s traditional production uses stunning visual elements that emphasize the  opera’s fast-paced comedy. Says Kazaras, “color-saturated costumes stand out  against a set that suggests things are not quite what they seem, providing a  tantalizing backdrop for the tremendous talent of our fabulous performers.” 

Joining Kazaras is a star-studded cast of internationally renowned artists. At the  helm is conductor Alevtina Ioffe, one of Europe’s most heralded and sought-after  conductors making her Seattle Opera debut. Bass-baritone Ryan McKinny makes  his Seattle Opera debut as Figaro, fresh off his engagement in the same role at The  Metropolitan Opera. And filling the breeches role of Cherubino is Ukranian mezzo soprano Olga Syniakova, whose recent poignant performance of Verdi’s Requiem  at the Brucknerhaus Linz was met with particular acclaim. 

Tickets on sale now at https://www.seattleopera.org/on-stage/marriage-of-figaro 2022/, ranging from $35–$369. For Family Day on Sunday, May 15, students 18  and under pay only $20 for almost any seat, with special student-oriented activities  during intermission. 

In addition to its mainstage programming, Seattle Opera offers a variety of events featuring new voices in opera and geared toward youth, families, and adults.  Seattle Opera’s General Director Christina Scheppelmann anticipates these  programs will offer a way for new audiences to connect with the art form. “I believe  opera is for everybody,” says Scheppelmann, who launched Seattle Opera’s Creation Lab (which receives a new round of performances this spring) in 2020 to  foster the next generation of composers and librettists. “Opera offers a unique  blend of storytelling, visual effects, and unamplified singing, and we have a  responsibility to ensure both young and adult creators have the opportunity to  experience that.” Tickets for youth performances start at $5, while the Opera Talk, Creation Lab, and Veterans Cohort Celebration are free and open to the public. 

Youth Opera 2022 Performances 

Three performances: April 1–3, Tagney Jones Hall 

Seattle Opera’s talented Youth Opera participants share their production of  The Very Last Green Thing, a story of hope and environmental  conservation. In this opera, children from the future discover a time capsule  containing important items from children of the past, including the last  surviving plant on earth. Perfect for families and children of all ages, these  fully staged public performances star a cast of youth performers ranging in  age from 7–18. Tickets and info at https://www.seattleopera.org/classes camps-clubs/for-kids/youth-programs/the-very-last-green-thing/. • Opera Talk: The Marriage of…Susanna? 

April 13 at 7:00 PM, Tagney Jones Hall and YouTube livestream

Figaro may get top billing, but Susanna is the one calling the shots! Join us for a lively conversation about the role of gender and class in The Marriage of  Figaro, featuring stage director Peter Kazaras and sopranos Anya  Matanovic and Soraya Mafi, who share the role of the quick-witted heroine  at the heart of this story. RSVP at https://www.seattleopera.org/operatalks. • Artist Recital: Helena Dix 

April 9 at 7:30 PM, Tagney Jones Hall 

Hailed as “on the way to cult diva status in this repertoire” (Opera Magazine),  Australian soprano Helena Dix presents an evening of musical treasures of  the bel canto era entitled “Rediscovered Treasures.” Tickets and info at  https://www.seattleopera.org/on-stage/rediscovered-treasures-helena-dix/. • Big Opera Party 

May 13 at 6:00 PM, The Opera Center 

We’re closing down Speight Jenkins Way to create a masquerade garden  party unlike any other. Dine under the stars while enjoying exclusive performances by cast members from The Marriage of Figaro. Tickets  and info at https://www.seattleopera.org/donate/2022-big-opera-party/

Path With Art Veterans Choir at Northwest Folklife Festival May 30, Seattle Center 

In partnership with Path with Art, Seattle Opera established the Veterans  Choir as part of its 2019 production of The Falling and the Rising. Since that  event, the choir has evolved into a year-round program. Come hear this  ensemble of dedicated veterans showcase their work at the Northwest  Folklife Festival, time TBA with the 2022 Folklife schedule. More info at  https://www.seattleopera.org/classes-camps-clubs/for-adults/path-with-art veterans-choir/

Earth to Kenzie  

Four performances: June 4 & 5, Tagney Jones Hall 

Join us for a new one-act opera suitable for all ages, particularly families with  children. Charming melodies and memorable characters showcase a  heartwarming story that explores themes of homelessness, empathy, and  finding strength through adversity. The performance on June 5 at 11:00 AM  will be a sensory friendly performance. Tickets and info at  

https://www.seattleopera.org/classes-camps-clubs/for-everyone/community performances/earth-to-kenzie-2022/

Jane Lang Davis Creation Lab 2022 Performances 

June 10 & 11 at 7:30 PM, Tagney Jones Hall 

Seattle Opera is thrilled to present the next iteration of its composition  workshop, which seeks to cultivate the next generation of opera composers  and librettists in Washington State. Each performance will feature four new  20-minute operas by composer/librettist teams, representing the culmination 

of months of development. Tickets are free, with RSVP required at  https://www.seattleopera.org/creationlab

Veterans Cohort Celebration 

June 25 at 4:00 PM, Tagney Jones Hall 

Join us for a celebration of Path with Art’s Veterans Cohort, the year-long  program that grew from 2019’s production of The Falling and the Rising. With  art displays, poetry and essay readings, and a performance by the Veterans  Choir, this event will showcase the beautiful work done across the suite of  Veterans Cohort classes. More information at  

https://www.seattleopera.org/classes-camps-clubs/for-adults/path-with-art veterans-choir/

All Seattle Opera staff, artists, and those involved in productions are required to  be vaccinated. Audience members will be required to wear masks and provide  proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test from the previous 72 hours through the end of The Marriage of Figaro’s 2022 run. During that time, masks  (N95 or KN95 masks strongly recommended) must be worn except when drinking in  designated areas. Future safety protocols will be determined and communicated at  seattleopera.org/safety

About Seattle Opera  

Established in 1963, Seattle Opera is committed to serving the people of the Pacific  Northwest through music, storytelling, and programs for people of all ages. Each  year, more than 80,000 people attend the company's performances, and more than  100,000 people are served through school performances, radio broadcasts, and  more. The organization brings opera to life in a number of different ways, offering  artistic excellence through national and international collaborations. Seattle Opera  strives to create an environment where artists, staff, behind-the-scenes workers,  and members of the community feel a strong connection to the company, and to  the art of opera. Follow Seattle Opera on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud, and on  98.1 Classical KING FM. 

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