my new novel
Next, week I am launching my opera novel DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA with an online festival at my author website. Why am I doing this, you may ask? For one thing, this is my debut novel. For another, it’s not every day a piece of fiction is published with classic opera as a backdrop.
David Lomelí
This book is a contemporary retelling loosely based on Mozart’s Don Giovanni. You’ll find many of his characters in the book without too much trouble as we watch a small-town (think dysfunctional) opera company try to mount a production of Don G. to stave off financial morbidity.
The festival will feature new videos created for the occasion by professional opera singers including:
- Mexican Tenor David Lomelí
- Soprano Heidi Melton
Soprano Heidi Melton
- Tenor Nathan Granner of The American Tenors
- Bass-bari Craig Philip Price
- Soprano Julia Katherine Walsh
The videos include book testimonials, dramatic readings of book chapters, greetings, other special appearances, and book reviews and will be available to view from Monday, November 28 through Friday, December 2.
As a guest to my website during DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA Online Launch Week, you have an “Operatoonity” to win some fabulous prizes. Here’s what you might win just by commenting on one of the videos or signing my guestbook anytime between November 28 and December 2:
Deborah Voigt as Annie Oakley for The Glimmerglass Festival 2011 / photo by. J. Cervantes
1. Two tickets to a 2012 Glimmerglass Festival Production in Cooperstown, NY
Next summer’s festival season offers variety and freshness and includes Aida, The Music Man, Armide and Lost in the Stars. For more information about Glimmerglass’s 2012 season, stop by their website. For more details about Glimmerglass as a summer vacation destination, see my feature on Bachtrack.com.
A signed poster from Jose Llopis
2. A signed Don Giovanni poster from Spanish artist Jose Llopis
Jose designs opera marketing materials for opera houses all over the world. You can see more of his work at his website. You can also learn more about Jose by reading this feature on Operatoonity.com.
3. Two tickets to Verdi’s Oberto presented by the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia
The Academy of Vocal Artsin Philly is a premiere opera training academy for professional opera singers. They produce sparkling opera featuring the opera stars of tomorrow, who go on to perform at the greatest houses in the world–Joyce DiDonato, James Valenti, Stephen Costello, Angela Meade, just to name a few AVA alums.
They are offering a pair of tickets to Verdi’s Oberto in January, 2012. Choose from three performances – Jan. 26 & 27 at the Perelman Theater and Jan 31 at the Haverford School. More information on AVA’s upcoming production is available here.
4. A lined navy tote with the Canadian Opera Company (COC) logo
The Canadian Opera Company headquartered in Toronto is Canada’s largest opera company and the sixth largest opera producer in North America. You can find out more about the Canadian Opera Company and their 2011-12 season by visiting their website.
Nathan Granner’s CDs include Departure with guitarist Beau Bledsoe and also Selections from Winterreise, also with Beau Bledsoe, offering new directions in classical chamber music for tenor and classical guitar, impassioned yet intimate, rooted in the traditions of classical opera.
6. Signed copies of my novel DON JUAN IN HANKEY, PA
Of course you can win signed copies during Online Book Launch Week! What would a book launch week be without signed copies of the book?
Spanish Seduction Bracelet
7. The Spanish Seduction Opera Bracelet
This beautiful creation celebrates arias from Don Giovanni by Mozart. The red beads indicate the passion of Spain, the black beads the dark ending Giovanni is propelling himself towards without remorse. The “True Story” book charm represents the Catalogue Aria in which Leporello reveals the extent of Giovanni’s many romantic liaisons. The ornate champagne bucket is symbolic of the Champagne Aria: Giovanni delights in the upcoming feast and the prospects it will provide for more conquests. The mask charm represents the Masked Trio: 3 characters wronged by Giovanni vow to reveal his true nature.
8. Operatoonity mugs
You might win this handsome mug with the Operatoonity.com banner if you sign my guestbook or comment on one of the videos.
