Independent Opera Company Presents Verdi's MACBETH at 3 LA Venues, Now thru 6/30

Independent Opera Company will present the final production of their first season. Macbeth is a remarkable representation of Shakespeare's epic drama. It tells of Macbeth and his wife as they go on a killing spree in a desperate attempt to maintain the throne of Scotland. They are propelled by the prophecies of witches and as these omens eventualize, the couple lose their grip on the power they seek. Verdi brings us in to a piece that is beautiful in its eeriness.

Macbeth is a very sophisticated work with a lot of surprising and unexpected harmonies and rhythms. It seems very unconventional and predicts a lot of musical solutions presented at Verdi's more familiar later works, such as Traviata, plus it leads to his most mature works like Otello and Falstaff (also based on Shakespeare plays). What makes Macbeth so appealing as an opera is that although it is a very dark story, it has catharsis which provides great emotional relief and healing. The plot and the music give the widest range of human emotions from pride to betrayal to despair to justice. It tells us a story of temptation and ambitions gone awry and reminds us that "goals never justify means". In the end, justice prevails, but the price paid by suffering and precious human lives cannot be redeemed. This opera has a truly timeless story and is full of excitement and beauty! And it's the music that makes it even more powerful. Verdi uses the chorus to play a crucial role in this opera. Despite all the intensity of this piece, we are all truly enjoying ourselves in these rehearsals! Our incredible stage director, Scott Blois, always has such brilliant creative ideas and makes even most challenging scenes look and sound effortless.THE CAST

Acclaimed baritones, Jay Stephenson and Michael Blinco star as Macbeth and each bring their own distinctive skills to the role: Jay concentrating on complexities of Macbeth's character and Michael highlighting the torment of Macbeth's soul. Both Lady Macbeths, Erica Lazerow and Natalie Mann, make this challenging role seem effortless. All three Bancos, Terry Welborn, Herve Blanquart and Patrick Blackwell, possess very powerful voices and wonderful acting skills. James Salazar as Macduff presents the role through the sheer beauty and expressiveness of his voice. Two powerful tenors, Conor Karrel and Andrew Bennett, portray Malcolm and there are two very special Ladys-in Waiting, Cynthia Leigh and Victoria Graves. Tu Nguyen, Medico, has sung in each of IOC's productions since its inception. Ali Borboa, Christa Stevens, Jennifer Lindsay, Jessica Gonzalez- Rodrigues, Christie Lynn Lawrence and Belinda Wilkins have all been cast as the witches and are all accomplished vocalists who shine in these roles.

Created in the spring of 2012, Independent Opera Company is committed to presenting the highest quality performances at affordable prices. IOC explores a wide range of operas from different styles, periods, and countries. Young and seasoned singers work together in harmony to give audiences a chance to experience the magical and transforming power of opera. Macbeth will conclude Independent Opera Company's first season which consisted of 4 full length opera. This season has been extremely well-received to a broad Los Angeles audience.

For more information, visit www.independentoperacompany.com.

Performance Details: Macbeth

Dates:

TONIGHT, June 15, 2013 7PM Sunday June 16, 2013 7PM Saturday June 22, 2013 3PM Sunday June 23, 2013 6PM Sunday June 30, 2013 3PM

Venues:

St. Andrew's Lutheran Church (6/15, 6/16) 11555 National Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Lutheran Church of the Master (6/22, 6/23)
10931 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church (6/30)
1343 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Tickets:

Tickets can be purchased for $10 or $20 at:

macbeth1.brownpapertickets.com macbeth2.brownpapertickets.com macbeth3.brownpapertickets.com

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