Our friends at Opera Carolina have just announced the line-up of shows and stars for their 2011-2012 season. Congratulations to Opera Carolina, and thank you to Wells Fargo for its generous ongoing support of opera in our region. From Opera Carolina’s press release:

Charlotte, N.C., (Mar. 27. 2011) – Opera Carolina announces its 2011-2012 season, underwritten by a significant grant from Wells Fargo Private Bank. “Through the incredible generosity of Wells Fargo, we have assembled celebrated artistic talent and a powerful season of grand opera,” said James Meena, general director and principal conductor of Opera Carolina.
The company’s 63rd season opens with an exciting new production of Verdi’s highly charged Spanish drama, Il Trovatore on October 15, 20 and 23, starring the emotion-stirring Italian tenor Antonello Palombi and international opera diva Denyce Graves in leading roles. Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s iconic romantic tragedy, follows on January 21, 26, 28 and 29. Korean soprano Yunah Lee stars in a dazzlingly provocative production of this opera favorite by world-renowned Japanese ceramic artist Jun Kaneko. The season concludes with the Charlotte premiere of Tchaikovsky’s interpretation of Alexander Pushkin’s masterpiece Eugene Onegin on March 17, 22 and 25, featuring North Carolina’s own Metropolitan Opera star Anthony Dean Griffey.
“Wells Fargo takes pride in supporting Charlotte’s diverse cultural community. Our support for Opera Carolina reflects Wells Fargo’s commitment to making sure that compelling arts programming and experiences are available to our clients and community,” said Madelyn Caple, regional managing director for Wells Fargo Private Bank in the Greater Charlotte area.
All performances are at the Belk Theater, North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. Season subscriptions are on sale now, with single tickets available on August 1. For ticket information, call 704.372.1000 or visit www.operacarolina.org.