By David Adam Beloff – The Virginian-Pilot
Time to go to the opera! “La Traviata” opens on Friday night. Dust off your best tux/dress and enjoy this classic opera at the Harrison Opera House. Purchase tickets here.
From the promoter:
Virginia Opera Concludes Celebratory 40th Anniversary Season with
New Production of Verdi’s La Traviata
February 25, 2015 – Virginia Opera, The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia, concludes its celebratory 40th Anniversary Season on a high note with the premiere of a brand-new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s treasured masterpiece, “La Traviata.” Created in partnership with Des Moines Metro Opera, this glittering new traditional production will be directed by Virginia Opera audience favorite, Lillian Groag in her twenty-first directorial role with the company. Ms. Groag’s experiences with Virginia Opera include recent memorable productions of “Die Walküre” (2011), the company’s landmark performances of “Aida” (2011) and a vibrant and stylish “Marriage of Figaro”(2013) as well as some classic productions including “Julius Caesar” (1996), which Virginia Opera recorded for Koch International Classics and the World Premiere of Thea Musgrave’s “Simon Bolivar” (1995) on occasion of the Opera’s 20th Anniversary Season. Maestro Andrew Bisantz, in his Virginia Opera debut, will lead the Richmond Symphony Orchestra. This exciting American conductor enjoys a significant international career and will head a stunning cast including Mexican-American soprano Cecilia Violetta López as the doomed leading lady, courtesan Violetta Valéry, whom The Washington Times praised for her “alluring voice and incredible range.” Cuban-American tenor, Rolando Sanz, portrays Alfredo Germont, the man who tries to melt Violetta’s cold heart through the power of love, reprising the role that recently won him acclaim with The Florentine Opera. Internationally acclaimed baritone, Malcolm MacKenzie, who has appeared at The Metropolitan Opera and other leading opera houses in the world, makes his Virginia Opera debut as Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father. In his Glimmerglass Opera portrayal of Germont, Opera Newsdescribed him as “a stentorian Germont, singing with a steely beauty that matched the character’s resolve.”
Designer Robert Little’s luscious Rococo 1890’s backdrop sets the stage for this new production complete with gorgeous period costumes. Traditional elements will be enhanced by modern, innovative, elements by lighting designer Bradley King including ethereal projections, adding drama to this heartbreaking masterpiece. Come and experience why “La Traviata” is the world’s most performed opera – and why it continues to be so popular with Virginia Opera’s audiences since it first graced the company’s stage in 1975.
Principal Conductor Adam Turner mentioned that “Virginia Opera has three terrific leads in this new production, all of whom will beautifully flesh out their respective characters. Also, a number of the members of Virginia Opera’s Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program will fulfil the remaining roles adding their own luster and vitality to this production.”
President and CEO Russell P. Allen comments that “With “La Traviata”we close one of the most artistically successful seasons that Virginia Opera has ever produced – and this production will astonish with an amazing cast in an exciting operatic experience.”
Director Lillian Groag, whose concept of this timeless story is the backbone of this production, brings depth to “La Traviata” with an emphasis on the reality of tumultuous relationships and spurned love. All three of main characters in this opera deal with issues that are a part of the human condition and that lead to growth of character.
Performance Details and Ticket Information
For more information or for inquiries about media coverage of “La Traviata,” please call Maggi George at 757.627.9545, ext. 3316, or email maggi.george@vaopera.org.
“La Traviata” will be performed in Italian with English supertitles. Each performance will feature a free 30-minute pre-opera discussion by Virginia Opera’s Dr. Glenn “Dr. Opera” Winters. Tickets start at just $19 and are available at vaopera.org or by calling 866.673.7282. “La Traviata”opens Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk, Va., followed by additional performances in Fairfax, Richmond and Virginia Beach as follows:
Harrison Opera House
Norfolk, VA
866.673.7282
vaopera.org
Fri., Mar. 13, 2015 at 8:00pm
Sun., Mar. 15, 2015 at 2:30pm
Tue., Mar. 17, 2015 at 7:30pm
GMU Center for the Arts
at George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
888.945.2468
Tickets.com
Sat., Mar. 21, 2015 at 8:00pm
Sun., Mar. 22, 2015 at 2:00pm
Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage
Richmond, VA
800.514.3849
Fri., Mar. 27, 2015 at 8:00pm
Sun., Mar. 29, 2015 at 2:30pm
Sandler Center for the
Performing Arts
Virginia Beach, VA
866.673.7282
vaopera.org
Sat., Apr. 11, 2015 at 8:00pm
Sun., Apr. 12, 2015 at 2:30pm
Student Tickets
Virginia Opera will offer a special Student Night at the Opera performance of “La Traviata” in Norfolk, Va. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Student Night at the Operaallows students and chaperones to experience the power of live opera, with unparalleled access at reduced ticket prices, in order to broaden appreciation for cultural arts in our community. Visit vaopera.org for more details about Student Night at the Opera and how to purchase tickets. For regularly-scheduled performances in Norfolk and Richmond, students may receive $15 rush tickets. Tickets must be purchased the day of the performance through the Box Office. Discounts are intended for full-time students only and valid student identification is required.
About Virginia Opera
Virginia Opera Association, Inc., celebrating its 40th Anniversary season, is known and respected nationwide for the identification and presentation of the finest young artists, for the musical and dramatic integrity of its productions, and for the ingenuity and variety of its education and outreach programs. Mainstage performances in three markets across the Commonwealth reach nearly 60,000 attendees annually. In March of 1994, by unanimous vote of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia Opera was named The Official Opera Company of the Commonwealth of Virginia in recognition of the organization’s contribution to the state as well as to the world of opera. For tickets and information visit vaopera.org or call 866.673.7282.