The apex of Knoxville Opera’s 2018-2019 Season promises to thrill audiences on May 4th and 5th. The event will take place at the new Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Northshore Drive.
Designed as an immersive, unique audience experience, the two-part event on each day begins with a Sacred Must Concert inside the stunning Cathedral featuring works by Verdi, Rossini, and Mascagni. After an intermission the audience will be seated in front of the church surrounding the action as witnesses to the gut-wrenching drama of Mascagni’s masterpiece, Cavalleria Rusticana. Rustic Chivalry, the opera that lit up the Godfather III finale, is a tale of betrayal, rage, and revenge in a small Sicilian village on Easter Sunday. The popular opera, which includes an inspiring Easter prayer procession, has been performed all over the world every year since its 1890 premiere in Rome.
“Knoxville Opera is deeply appreciative of the generous support and hospitality of the Cathedral’s clergy and staff whose enthusiasm and cooperation has made this unique production possible” said Brian Salesky, Knoxville Opera’s Executive and Artistic Director.
The blockbuster cast includes three distinguished artists who have performed worldwide. Canadian mezzosoprano Catherine Daniel is returning to Knoxville after her sensational 2017 portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in Mary Queen of Scots. American tenor Richard Troxell, last heard here in the Opera’s 2017 production of La Boheme, is most well-known for his starring role in Frédéric Mitterrand’s award-winning movie of Madame Butterfly filmed on site in Japan. American baritone Scott Bearden’s most recent triumphs at Knoxville Opera include this season’s Gianni Schicchi and the spectacular 2016 production of Tosca.
Also featured in the Sacred Music Concert will be performances by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s concertmaster, William Shaub, the Knoxville Opera Chorus, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral Choir.
Tickets, starting at $23 for adults and $15 for students, may be purchased online at KnoxvilleOpera.com or by calling the Ticket Office at (865) 524-0795 ext. 1.
