The Maryland Symphony Orchestra Presents Semi-Staged Production of Tosca Feb 10 and 11

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Jan. 17, 2018 - PRLog -- A tragic tale of love and loss will unfold on stage at the historic Maryland Theatre when the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Hub Opera Ensemble present Giacomo Puccini's intense and heart-wrenching opera, Tosca.  The semi-staged production will be held on Saturday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 11 at 3 p.m.  The opera will be sung in Italian with English titles. Tickets range from $19 - $69 and are available at marylandsymphony.org or by calling 301-797-4000.

"Staging, lighting, music, drama, love, and betrayal: Tosca is a total live entertainment experience, and if there's anything that people want today, it's a unique live experience" says Stephen Marc Beaudoin, Executive Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. "This production is a can't-miss event because it will challenge and entertain you like nothing else, with an exceptional cast of emerging singers, the fabulous MSO orchestra, all led by our incredible music director Elizabeth Schulze."

Set in Rome, Tosca is the tale of fiery and celebrated singer Floria Tosca; a woman who has no idea that her life, and that of the man she loves, will irrevocably change the very next day. In a whirlwind of events, Tosca is forced to save her rebellious lover from the tainted hands of the treacherous chief of police and must take a stand while looking death in the face. With passionate arias and soaring, sensuous melodies, Tosca's power and raw emotion will leave you breathless.

Performing the title role will be soprano Victoria Cannizzo with Nicholas Simpson, tenor, as Mario Cavaradossi; and, Gustavo Feulien, baritone, as Baron Scarpia.  Other cast members include Jeffrey Gates (Cesare Angelotti), Jarrod Lee (A Sacristan), and David Cook (Spoletta). Additionally, the Mount Saint Mary's University Choir, under the direction of Dr. Andrew Rosenfeld, will be featured.

Television and radio personality Robert Aubry Davis will serve as narrator. Davis, a native Washingtonian and an active member of the area's cultural community, is the creator and host of "Millennium of Music," a program dedicated to music from the thousand years before Bach.  The program is carried by more than 100 public radio stations nationwide.  He has been host and moderator of WETA-TV's Emmy Award-winning weekly arts discussion program, "Around the Town," since its inception in 1986.  Davis can also be heard on Vox, XM Satellite Radio's opera and classical vocal music channel.

After the concert on Saturday, February 10, Club MSO, a pop-up live music and dance experience in The Maryland Theatre lobby and bar area, will debut. According to Beaudoin, "the addition of the Club MSO experience for folks age 21 to 45 adds an additional opportunity to connect and engage and party late into the night." A limit of 100 Club MSO VIP tickets are available for $25 each and include admission to both the concert and after party. DJ Sidekick, drag performer Ashley Bannks and members of the Hub Opera Ensemble will provide entertainment. Complimentary champagne and late-night snacks from Chick-fil-A will be provided. Beaudoin says it will "be an experience unlike anything Hagerstown has seen in a while."

The concert is presented by members of the medical community of Washington County and the artist sponsors are Dr. and Mrs. Hugh J. Talton. The 2017-18 MSO season is supported by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. Board member Ryan Flurie, with Abeles-Flurie Wealth Management Group, is sponsoring and hosting the initial Club MSO experience.

What:
Giacomo Puccini's Tosca
Sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

Where:
The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740

When:
Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets:
$19 - $69. Tickets can be purchased online at www.marylandsymphony.org; in person at the Maryland Symphony Orchestra Administrative Offices located at 30 W Washington St, Hagerstown, MD 21740 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday); or by calling the Box Office at 301-797-4000 during normal business hours. Group Rates are available for groups of ten or more. A discounted "Flex" subscription package (three or more concerts) is also available by calling the Box Office.

VENUE INFORMATION

Built in 1915, designed by renowned architect Thomas Lamb, the Maryland Theatre is the anchor to the Arts & Entertainment district in downtown Hagerstown. The Theatre provides comfortable seating for 1,300 at performances of country artists, comedians, children's shows, recitals, stage shows, and more. Since 1982, the Theatre has been the official home of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. The Maryland Theatre welcomes approximately 120,000 people through her doors annually. The Maryland Theatre is located at 21 S. Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

ABOUT HUB OPERA ENSEMBLE

Founded in 2010, the Hub Opera Ensemble is devoted to bringing quality, professional opera to communities where the art form is not yet represented.  In partnership with Hagerstown Community College, Hub productions feature orchestral accompaniment with fully-produced operas, and a mid-season night of concert opera that features some of the finest young singers performing today.

ABOUT MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1982, Maryland Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 36th season as the area's premier professional orchestra.  Under the musical direction of Maestra Elizabeth Schulze, the Maryland Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to providing musical performances that educate and entertain, while enhancing the cultural environment of Western Maryland and the surrounding region. Learn more: www.marylandsymphony.org

http://www.marylandsymphony.org