Entering its 16th year, Asheville Lyric Opera will enchant audiences with their production of Die Fledermaus.

Adapted to reflect the cultural aristocracy of the Southern Appalachian Mountains at the turn of the century, the opera’s famous second act is set during a party at the “Giltmore” (the home of the famous “Vanderburgs”). Asheville is known for having stories of famous families (the Vanderbilts) and international artists (Enrico Caruso) visiting and attending spectacular events at famous locations (the Grove Park Inn).

These historic events have inspired our opera’s artistic staff in a new adaptation melding it with all the wonderful color of mountain history. ALO has conducted research on the history of Western North Carolina at the turn of the century to ensure our audience will get a vision and feel of what the culture was like. Copious toasts will be made as the evening, full of romantic comedy, unfolds the elegance of the era.

When asked why and how he began to entertain the idea of opera set in the mountains, Executive Director David Starkey stated “This kind of project really came out of our exposure to so much history of the musicianss, famous families, iconic homes and estates in the region.”

The flexibility to adapt Die Fledermaus to different cultures, communities, and countries makes it an ideal operetta for individualization. Working with Starkey to rewrite the libretto into a charming mountain cocktail is Asheville Lyric Opera’s artistic advisor and longtime ALO director, Dr. Jon Truitt.

Having performed Die Fledermaus three times and directed it twice with various adaptations, he is well prepared to direct this very unique performance. For this exciting masterpiece ALO will collaborate with Cornelia Laemmli Orth, conductor of Symphony of the Mountains, based out of Kingsport, TN.

In her eighth season as music director of Symphony of the Mountains, internationally acclaimed conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth will be contributing her considerable talent to the musical direction of this exciting performance.

As an advocate for Contemporary Music, Cornelia brings a variety of new music to the region. She has conducted several operas and will be providing excellent musical leadership to ALO’s singers and chorus members.

Setting Die Fledermaus in a well known western North Carolina home, the “Giltmore” and tailoring the “Vanderburghs” to have certain Southern mountain charms will, without a doubt, create a humorous and original production, one that will create a deeper sense of appreciation for Western North Carolina’s culture.

If You Go: Die Fledermaus, Friday, October 3 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m. at the Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets available by calling the box office (828) 257-4530, or online at www.ashevillelyric.org. Students and other groups may purchse tickets to the Appalachian Party Preview Dress Rehearsal, held October 1 at 7 p.m., by calling the ALO at (828) 236-0670.