Opera Columbus to Present LA TRAVIATA, 6/1-5

CSO Music Director Rossen Milanov will make his Opera Columbus debut directing the Columbus Symphony and Opera Columbus Chorus in Verdi's immensely popular work, La Traviata (The Fallen Woman). Directed by Mary Birnbaum, Associate Director of the Juilliard School's Artist Diploma in Opera Studies Program, this contemporary production will utilize enhanced lighting techniques to set the scene in modern-day Paris where Violetta Valéry (soprano Andrea Shokery) boldly lives the convention-free lifestyle of an in-demand, affluent courtesan until she unexpectedly experiences what can ultimately dismantle it all-true love.

Opera Columbus will present La Traviata at the Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.). There will be a dress rehearsal preview performance on Wednesday, June 1, at 7:30 pm, with additional performances on Friday, June 3, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, June 5, at 2 pm. Performed with the Columbus Symphony, CSO Maestro Rossen Milanov conducting. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Presented in partnership with The Ohio State University School of Music.

Tickets are $25-$88 (dress rehearsal preview tickets are $15-40) at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase by phone, call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Young people aged 13-25 may purchase $5 All Access tickets while available. For more information, visit www.GoFor5.com.

This three-act opera is based on La dame aux Camélias, a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas. Originally titled Violetta, it was first performed on March 6, 1853, at the La Fenice opera house in Venice.

Synopsis: The most desirable courtesan in Paris, wealthy and independent Violetta is sought after by society's most important men. When she unexpectedly falls in love with well-born Alfredo Germont, his father vehemently opposes their union, forcing Violetta to either rebel against society or give up the love of her life for his own sake.

Photo by Shannon W. Williams

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