Soprano Andrea Shockery as Violetta. Photo courtesy of Shannon W. Williams
Violetta’s position as the most desirable courtesan in Paris affords her a life of wealth, freedom and luxury — until her love for a respectable, upper-class man changes everything.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Rossen Milanov makes his Opera Columbus debut this week directing the Columbus Symphony and Opera Columbus Chorus in Verdi’s La Traviata. This three-act opera tells the story of Violetta and her one true love, Alfredo, as they struggle to be together even as family obligations and class differences threaten to tear them apart. The production is directed by Mary Birnbaum, associate director of the Juilliard School’s Artist Diploma in Opera Studies program. The lead role of Violetta will be played by soprano Andrea Shokery.
While this weekend’s production will be re-imagined in modern day Paris, La Traviata has been a popular opera since its initial performance at the La Fenice opera house in Venice in 1853. The opera will be performed in Italian with English surtitles.
The show will be performed at the Southern Theatre on 21 E. Main St. on June 3 at 7:30 p.m. and June 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $25-88 and can be purchased at the CAPA Ticket center, or Ticketmaster. To purchase by phone, call 614-469-0939 or 800-745-3000. Those aged 13-25 may purchase $5 tickets at www.GoFor5.com.
This Opera Columbus Production is presented in partnership with The Ohio State University School of Music. Visit www.OperaColumbus.org for more information.
Katie Ellington is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
