LONG BEACH OPERA SEASON OFFERS U.S. PREMIERE OF ‘KROL ROGER’

The U.S. premiere of Karol Szy manowski’s “Krol Roger” (King Roger) will be the centerpiece of the ninth season of Long Beach Opera, Michael Milenski, general director of the organization, announced.

In 1986-87, the Long Beach group will present three operas--all sung in English--at Long Beach Convention Center. Two productions will be given in 800-seat Center Theater, the other in 3,000-seat Terrace Theater.

Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffmann” will open the season, in Center Theater, Oct. 17, with repeat performances Oct. 19, 21, 24 and 26. Nicholas McGegan will conduct, and the opera will be staged by David Alden.

“King Roger” (1924) will be given in Terrace Theater on Feb. 10 and 14. Considered by some a 20th-Century operatic masterpiece, the Polish composer’s second and final opera will be sung in English and presented in a new production by Christopher Alden.

Douglas Moore’s “The Ballad of Baby Doe” (1956) will close the season, in Center Theater, March 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29. According to a Long Beach Opera representative, the production team for “The Ballad of Baby Doe” and the conductor for “King Roger” have not yet been selected.

Information: (213) 436-9611.