Un ballo in maschera concluded the first season in Seattle Opera’s temporary home at Mercer Arts Arena, with three company regulars – Carol Vaness, Vinson Cole, and Gordon Hawkins – giving their all. (Lori Phillips, Raúl Melo, and Genaro Sulvarán took the respective roles in the Silver series.) Antonello Allemandi was the conductor; Michael Hampe made his company debut as stage director.

Vinson Cole (Gustavus III) in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, 2002. © Gary Smith

Kathryn Day (Mam’zelle Ardison) in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, 2002. © Gary Smith

Carol Vaness (Amelia) in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, 2002. © Gary Smith

Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, 2002. © Gary Smith

Carol Vaness (Amelia) and Vinson Cole (Gustavus III) in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, 2002. © Gary Smith

Gordon Hawkins (Count Anckarstroem) in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera, 2002. © Gary Smith