Michigan Opera Theatre Announces Rising Opera Star Angela M. Brown to Replace Jessye Norman in World Premiere Production of Margaret Garner May 7-22

Michigan Opera Theatre Announces Rising Opera Star Angela M. Brown to Replace Jessye Norman in World Premiere Production of Margaret Garner May 7-22

DETROIT, April 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan Opera Theatre founder and general director Dr. David DiChiera announced today that rising soprano Angela M. Brown has been cast in the role of "Cilla" for the World Premiere performances of Richard Danielpour's new opera Margaret Garner, May 7-22 at the Detroit Opera House. Brown replaces Jessye Norman who has withdrawn her participation for personal reasons.

"As an ardent admirer of Ms. Norman's extraordinary talent and artistry, I very much appreciate her generosity and goodwill in making what I am sure was a difficult decision," said DiChiera. "We value Jessye's commitment and contribution to the success of this exciting project, and wish her the very best as she progresses in her brilliant career."

David DiChiera announced today that the supporting role will now be sung by Angela M. Brown, who has recently come to the attention of the opera world as "one of America's most promising Verdi sopranos" (Opera News) following a triumphant debut performance in the title role of Aida with the Metropolitan Opera last October. So noteworthy was this debut that the New York Times proclaimed, "At last an Aida."

Of the re-casting, DiChiera stated, "Having participated in both Margaret Garner workshops, Angela is intimately familiar with the role and deeply committed to the project. It goes without saying that we feel extraordinarily fortunate that Angela, who is currently experiencing a meteoric rise to operatic stardom, has joined the cast for the World Premiere."

The World Premiere of Margaret Garner is one of the most anticipated stage events of the season. The project marks the operatic debut of the highly acclaimed creative team of Grammy Award-winning composer Richard Danielpour and librettist Toni Morrison, celebrated novelist and winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize for Literature. The opera tells the compelling and true story of Margaret Garner, an enslaved woman who made the horrific decision to sacrifice her own children when facing recapture, rather than see them returned to the bonds of slavery. Her trial became the subject of intense national debate, addressing crucial issues in constitutional law and posing key questions at the core of the rift in the Union.

Margaret Garner's powerhouse cast features internationally renowned mezzo- soprano Denyce Graves in the title role. Baritone Rod Gilfry sings Edward Gaines, the owner of Maplewood Farm, and baritone Gregg Baker sings the role of Robert, Margaret's husband. Renowned stage director Kenny Leon will direct, with scenic design by Marjorie Bradley Kellogg. Maestro Stefan Lano conducts.

Margaret Garner is a co-commission between Michigan Opera Theatre, Cincinnati Opera and Opera Company of Philadelphia. Additional information about the opera and its co-commissioners may be found by visiting http://www.margaretgarner.org/ .

Tickets for Michigan Opera Theatre's World Premiere performance of Margaret Garner, starring Denyce Graves, are now available to the general public and may be purchased in person at the Detroit Opera House or any TicketMaster Outlet. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Michigan Opera Theatre's Ticket Services Office at 313-237-7464 or visiting http://www.michiganopera.org/ .

Source: Michigan Opera Theatre

CONTACT: Laura Wyss of Michigan Opera Theatre, +1-313-237-3416, or lwyss@motopera.org

Web site: http://www.michiganopera.org/ http://www.margaretgarner.org/

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