Photo by Dave Pearson Photography.
After delivering innovative and captivating performances of three diverse operas earlier this season, Virginia Opera concludes its season at the Center for the Arts with Giuseppe Verdi’s tour de force La Traviata on March 11 at 8 p.m. and March 12 at 2 p.m.
La Traviata features one of the most demanding, sumptuous, and recognizable scores of all time. This remounting of the production from the Virginia Opera’s 2014-2015 Season will be conducted by Artistic Director Adam Turner with direction by Tara Faircloth, praised in Opera News for her work’s “unstoppable momentum. . . entertaining the amateur and the opera aficionado alike.”
Set amidst the pleasure-loving and decadent French aristocracy of the 19th century, Verdi’s three-act romantic tragedy follows a sophisticated courtesan, Violetta, who falls in love with a man she cannot have, Alfredo Germont. Hailed by The New York Times for her “warm, ample voice,” soprano Brandie Sutton appears as the heroine Violetta in her Virginia Opera mainstage debut. Also making his Virginia Opera mainstage debut, tenor Won Whi Choi is featured as Alfredo, a role he triumphantly performed in his Metropolitan Opera debut. Grant Youngblood reprises the iconic role of Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, having last been seen at the Center for the Arts in the same role (La Traviata, 2005). Several of Virginia Opera’s Emerging Artists perform in the production, including the mainstage debut appearance of tenor Fran Daniel Laucerica as Alfredo’s friend, Gastone.
Highlights of the famous score include the lively duet “Libiamo ne’lieti calici” (known as “The Drinking Song”) and the gorgeous soprano aria “Sempre Libera.” With spectacular party scenes, gripping emotion, and poignant, intimate moments, La Traviata will hold you spellbound from the first to last note.
The opera will be sung in Italian with English surtitles, and will also include an audio-described performance, the March 12 matinee.
To further enhance the operatic experience, a pre-performance discussion featuring Virginia Opera Resident Scholar, Joshua Borths, will take place in Monson Grand Tier 45 minutes prior to curtain for both performances. Audience members will learn about the context, music, and production they are about to see and hear. A post-show discussion with Borths and the artists in the Center for the Arts lobby will also follow the Sunday matinee.
In celebration of the 170th birthday of La Traviata (on March 6), Virginia Opera will also offer a special 17% discount on tickets purchased between March 4-7. Use code BIRTHDAY, for 17% off adult-priced tickets in all price ranges during the promotion. Enter the coupon code in the "Set Your Search Options" menu prior to selecting seats. Offer is limited to online purchases only made between March 4-7, and service charges apply. Offer is not applicable for previously purchased tickets or for subscription packages. Purchase here.