Grammy Award winner Mark S. Doss stars in a double bill of Šárka and Cavalleria Rusticana in Seville, Spain

SEVILLE, Spain, Jan. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - International opera star and Grammy Award winner Mark S. Doss is set to make his debut at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville in three back-to-back performances of Šárka and Cavalleria Rusticana, portraying the roles of Přemysl and Alfio on February 5, 7, 9, 2013.

"I am up for the challenge of undertaking these double bill performances," said Mr. Doss. "It is always a rewarding experience to prepare for two distinctive productions in a twin billing, especially with roles that present an interesting contrast - Přemysl is the noble and restrained one while Alfio is free spirited and hot-headed."  Seeking to constantly improve his successful interpretations, Mr. Doss has been helped once again by Timothy Cheek, Czech diction coach and author, coach William Hicks and Czech diction coach Milos Repicky (both on staff at the Metropolitan Opera), and coaches Mark Lawson and Rita Loving (both on staff at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Germany).

Based on the Bohemian legends of Šárka in Dalimil's Chronicle, the three-act opera Šárka by Leoš Janáček tells the tale of the title character Šárka, a fierce female warrior who seeks to protect women's dominance in society after Přemysl, the husband of the previous ruler, decides to create an all-male parliament.  Using her feminine charms, Šárka plans to ensnare Ctriad, a young male warrior who threatens the female population.  Despite falling in love with Ctriad, she eventually kills him and then herself at his funeral.

Set in a 19th century Sicilian village on Easter morning, Pietro Mascagni's best known opera Cavalleria Rusticana features a young villager named Turiddu who discovering his ex-fianée, Lola, has married the prosperous Alfio seeks to avenge her rejection by callously seducing another young woman in the village named Santuzza.

Mr. Doss previously performed Cavalleria Rusticana in a double bill with I Pagliacci at the Hawaii Opera Theatre in 2001 and with Intermountain Opera in 2005. The Honolulu Advisor wrote, "His rich bass-baritone gave authority" to the role of Alfio. He also undertook the role of Přemysl in Šárka in his debut at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy.

Following the double bill in Spain, Mr. Doss will again sing the role of the Dutchman in The Flying Dutchman with the Teatro Comunale in Bologna, Italy (March 2013), Amonasro in Aida at the San Diego Opera (April 2013), and The Four Villains in The Tales of Hoffman with Tokyo Opera (November/December 2013).

Mr. Doss has received significant media coverage in connection with his recent performances, making guest TV appearances on ABC, NBC, FOX, CBC's George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight and Toronto News at Six, Rogers TV, and OMNI. In 2011 Mr. Doss was also named the recipient of Plant Africa's Entertainment Award, recognizing his many accomplishments in the performing arts and as a positive role model for youths.

You can connect with Mark S. Doss through his Facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mark-S-Doss/78423203990), Google+ (https://plus.google.com/u/0/114847006736802038176), or follow him @marksdoss on Twitter (http://twitter.com/marksdoss).

ABOUT MARK S. DOSS
Mark S. Doss is a celebrated bass-baritone whose accomplishments include a Grammy Award for his work on the recording of Semele (Handel), and numerous engagements with the famous Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. Mr. Doss began his musical studies to aid in his ambitions to become a Catholic priest but instead found opera to be his true calling. He has since emerged as one of the opera world's leading singers.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Adam Bello
Publicity office for Mark S. Doss
+ 1 (416) 489-0092
[email protected]

SOURCE Mark S. Doss