Kentucky Opera's new season offers tragedy, comedy, magic and powerful women

Tragedy, comedy, magic and powerful women will come together for the Kentucky Opera's Brown-Forman 2018-19 season.

The season kicks off in September with Mozart's "The Magic Flute," followed by "Enemies, A Love Story" in November and Verdi's "Rigoletto" in February of 2019.

General Director Ian Derrer is excited about the belated return of two classics to the Kentucky Opera stage: "The Magic Flute" was last produced in the 1997-98 season and "Rigoletto" in 2000-01.

"They are blockbuster operas," Derrer said.

Sneak peek performance:Come see Kentucky Opera at Courier Journal

All three productions will be directed by women. Derrer said that it wasn't a political statement but a practical decision.

"I always look for the best fit given the drama we're trying to bring to life," Derrer said, "and without question the three best candidates available happened to be fantastically talented women.

"I don't think that's happened in a long time, if ever, at the Kentucky Opera."  

Kristine McIntyre, who has staged "Don Giovanni" and "Madame Butterfly" for Kentucky Opera, returns for "The Magic Flute." Mary Birnbaum and Kathleen Belcher are making their KO debuts on "Enemies, A Love Story" and "Rigoletto," respectively.   

"Enemies, A Love Story" is making its Kentucky Opera debut, but not really.

The opera was first workshopped in Kentucky in 2008 by composer Ben Moore, and again in 2009. Moore will attend its "homecoming" in November. This will be the opera's second production.

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"It's a spectacular piece and it's gotten wonderful accolades and Ben Moore is a composer of great lyricism," Derrer said. "It's incredibly accessible and hummable. Beautiful, beautiful melodies."

Jeffrey Lee Puckett: 502-582-4160; jpuckett@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @JLeePuckett. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jeffreyl

Kentucky Opera Brown-Forman 2018-19 season

• "The Magic Flute," Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Friday, Sept. 21, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m. Sung in English and German.
• "Enemies, A Love Story," Ben Moore, libretto by Nahma Sandrow. Friday, Nov. 9, 8 p.m,. and Sunday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m.
• "Rigoletto," Giuseppe Verdi, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m.

Season tickets are on sale now starting at $107. Single tickets will go on sale in August. For more information, go to KyOpera.org or call 502-584-4500. 

See Kentucky Opera at Courier Journal

Diva alert!

The Kentucky Opera will be stopping by Courier Journal for a super-special performance and we want readers to get in on the action.

You'll get a sneak peek at the 2018 season for the Kentucky Opera, with magical performances by not one, but two actual divas as soprano Emily Albrink and mezzo soprano Elizabeth Batton will be live in our studio.

Ian Derrer, general director of the Kentucky Opera, will also be on hand to tease the 2018-19 season. 

Everyone is invited to watch the show live at 2 p.m. Wednesday at facebook.com/courierjournal.