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     “The 2007-2008 season was Wichita Grand Opera’s most successful season ever,” says General Director Parvan Bakardiev, “and we anticipate the 2008-2009 season to be an even greater success.” Mr. Bakardiev announced today that the 2008-2009 season will feature another collection of exceptional stars in the greatest love stories ever written for both opera and ballet.

• Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore – November 1 & 2, 2008
• Jose Porcel’s Flamenco Español – November 16, 2008
• Prokofiev’s Cinderella – January 20, 2009
• Verdi’s Aida – February 4, 2009
• Bizet’s Pearl Fishers – February 14 & 15, 2009
• Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake – March 22, 2009
• Rossini’s Barber of Seville – April 25 & 26, 2009

Season Subscriptions go on sale August 16 with savings up to 20%

     New subscribers may purchase their season tickets beginning August 16, 2008 , and save up to 20% off the regular single ticket price. Returning WGO patrons may renew their subscriptions beginning immediately and retain their favorite seats throughout the season. There are four plans from which to choose:

Season Subscriptions: Best Better Good

• Plan A – Save 20% - All 7 Productions $476 $325 $196
• Plan B – Save 17% - Choose 6 Productions $423 $289 $174
• Plan C – Save 14% - Choose 5 Productions $366 $249 $151
• Plan D – Save 11% - Choose 4 Productions $303 $207 $125

Single tickets may be purchased with a 10% Early Bird discount between September 16 and October 15, 2008 for $76.50, $52.20, and $31.50. Starting October 16, 2008 single tickets will be available at the regular prices of $85, $58, and $35.

To purchase tickets call Wichita Grand Opera Box Office.

     Wichita Grand Opera’s 2008-2009 Season begins this November with a cruise on H.M.S. Pinafore, the original Love Boat. It’s a tale of love versus high society as a plucky British sailor falls in love with his Captain’s daughter. John Stephens, Metropolitan Opera star Bass and director , leads a cast full of brilliant comedic singers in what was the first of Gilbert & Sullivan’s many international sensations.

     Later in November, Wichita Grand Opera presents Flamenco Español , starring Spain ’s most brilliant dancer, José Porcel, critically acclaimed throughout the world as the leading authority in the art of Flamenco. This performance combines the passion of dance, the power of voice, and the pulse of music in a sensual explosion for a passionate evening that will leave the audience breathless.

     Ballet returns to WGO’s stage in the tradition of great opera houses worldwide. Moscow ’s Russian National Ballet Theatre will bring Prokofiev’s adaptation of the classic fairy tale Cinderella to life in January 2009. The radiant Marianna Chemalina, Russia ’s leading Prima Ballerina, will portray the role of Cinderella, combining her exceptional sense of musicality with deep rooted traditions of Russian Ballet. The whole family will enjoy the grace and beauty of this superb Russian classical ballet company.

     February 2009 begins as the grandest of all Grand Operas, Aida, transports the audience back in time to the era of pyramids and Pharaohs. This riveting love story of Radames, Commander of the Egyptian army, and Aida, a captured Ethiopian princess, features some of Verdi’s greatest melodies. The electrifying German Maestro Ekhart Wycik returns to lead a stellar cast, WGO Orchestra and Chorus.

     Celebrate the day of love, Valentine’s Day, with a spellbinding new production of Bizet’s most often requested, yet least often performed opera, The Pearl Fishers, featuring some of Bizet’s most memorable arias and duets. Set on the exotic shores of Sri Lanka , WGO sails across the Indian Ocean for this searing romance. Soprano Larisa Yudina, superstar of Russia ’s Mariinsky Opera, returns to the WGO in the lead role of Leila, the priestess who threatens an entire village when love compels her to break her sacred vows.

     Wichita Grand Opera welcomes spring as the Moiseev Russian Classical Ballet returns to Wichita to perform Tchaikovsky’s most famous and most beloved ballet, Swan Lake . Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse, can only be freed from the spell by true love. The company of more than 80 dancers personifies the grandeur and scope that no other company hopes to match. Led by General Director Vladimir Moiseev, Honored Artist of Russia and acclaimed soloist of the Bolshoi Ballet, the Moiseev Russian Classical Ballet will offer the audience a flawless afternoon of magnificent ballet.

     The 2008-2009 season concludes with Rossini’s hilarious masterpiece, The Barber of Seville. Even Bugs Bunny enjoyed this tale of the enamored young Count, Almaviva, who with assistance from the town’s mischievous barber, Figaro, woos the beautiful Rosina right under the nose of her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Impeccable Italian bass Stefano de Peppo returns to sing the role of Dr. Bartolo. Rising star William Browning sings the title role of Figaro, following his triumphant success as Valentin in last season’s Faust. Almaviva will be sung by the charismatic Patrick Greene, and Basilio will be sung by Scott Connor, a star in the making.

For Tickets

Season Subscriptions will be available for the General Public starting August 16, 2008

Single Tickets will be available for purchase at the Early Bird Discount starting September 15, 2008.