FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - SEPTEMBER 1, 2017
OPERADELAWARE ANNOUNCES STAFF ADDITIONS AND CHANGES AS 2017-2018 SEASON BEGINS
WILMINGTON, Del. – OperaDelaware announced today the appointment of a new Music Director, a new Chorus Master and Principal Pianist, and a promotion on its administrative staff.
Maestro Anthony Barrese will assume the role of Music Director on Sept. 1, 2017. Maestro Barrese has conducted productions with the company for the past three seasons, including the East Coast Premiere of his reconstructed version of Franco Faccio’s Amleto. Maestro Barrese, who also serves as the Artistic Director of Opera Southwest in Albuquerque, NM, is a highly sought-after guest conductor with opera companies across the country and the world.
“This appointment serves as a way of formalizing much of the work that Maestro Barrese has already been doing on OperaDelaware’s behalf,” said Brendan Cooke, the company’s General Director. “Through his tireless work, Anthony has been a critical part of OperaDelaware’s renaissance -- serving as a resource to the company, and to me personally, as we position ourselves as a destination for opera lovers from all over the world.”
Aurelien Eulert has been appointed OperaDelaware’s Chorus Master and Principal Pianist. Hailing from Alsace, France, Eulert made his US-house debut in 2014 with Palm Beach Opera as diction coach for its production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann and head coach for the Young Artist Program. Since then, he has been involved in productions with Opera Memphis, OperaDelaware, Opera Roanoke, Pacific Opera Project, and the Los Angeles Opera Education department. He served on the music staff of USC Thornton Opera and the UCLA Alpert School of Music, and was the musical director of the Chamber Opera of USC (2008-13). He holds degrees from the Conservatoire National de Strasbourg, Syracuse University, and the University of Southern California.
Brenton O’Hara has been promoted to the role of Operations Manager, where he will oversee many aspects of OperaDelaware’s day-to-day operations, including database and facilities management, board communications, contracting, and more.
“Brenton was hired almost one year ago as my assistant,” said Brendan Cooke, “but he didn’t act like an assistant for very long. Brenton’s vision, work ethic, and organizational skills have helped OperaDelaware flourish. I’m delighted to see Brenton’s growth as a young arts administrator, and am thrilled to announce a title that more accurately reflects his work with our company.”
OperaDelaware’s 2018 Festival is a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the premiere of Puccini’s Il Trittico, featuring the three operas in this celebrated Tryptich, plus Buoso’s Ghost, Michael Ching’s contemporary sequel to Gianni Schicchi. The Festival will take place April 28-May 6, 2018 at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington.
Also this season: OperaDelaware will launch a new series at its Riverfront Studio,Opera Uncorked with Swigg, pairing operatic highlights with optional wine and beer tastings. The first installment, Arias, Ambers & IPAs, will take place October 20 and 22. Two additional performances in the series, Cabernets & Cabalettas and A Flight of Puccini (part of the 2018 Festival), will take place March 16 and 18 and May 4, respectively. The company will also offer two concert performances (with piano) of Jules Massenet's Werther. For more information on OperaDelaware’s full 2017-2018 season, go to OperaDE.org. Tickets go on sale September 5, 2017.
L to R: Aurelien Eulert and Maestro Anthony Barrese
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OperaDelaware celebrates its 73rd season in 2017-2018. OperaDelaware is the nation's 11th oldest professional opera company. Our mission is to enrich the lives of people in the Mid-Atlantic region through meaningful arts education and the production of grand opera and intimate opera concerts, featuring established professional and emerging talent.
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