Pacific Opera to Present Tracy Dahl as Lucia di Lammermoor

Nothing compares to the high drama in Donizetti's tragic Lucia di Lammermoor, except perhaps the high notes! Pacific Opera Victoria presents the composer's most celebrated opera at the Royal Theatre in Victoria, BC, February 12, 14, 18, 20, and 22, 2015.

Loosely based on Sir Walter Scott's historical novel, "The Bride of Lammermoor", Lucia's story is that of a woman doomed and desperate. Trapped between feuding clans and in love with the wrong man, Lucia watches her dreams of love and happiness crumble in the fist of her manipulative brother. When she's bullied into an arranged marriage, her fragile spirit is shattered.

One of the reasons for Luca di Lammermoor's enduring popularity is its glorious music, filled with sublime melodies and spectacular coloratura. The role of Lucia is a test of technique, dramatic ability, and endurance, particularly in the heroine's famous "mad scene," which is justly celebrated for its virtuosity and beauty.

The accomplished cast is led by Canada's pre-eminent coloratura soprano, Ruby award winner Tracy Dahl (POV's Maria Stuarda), who has earned international acclaim for her "glittering coloratura" and the "uniquely charismatic beauty of her voice".

Lucia's bullying brother, Enrico, is played by baritone James Westman (POV's Capriccio), a Grammy and Juno awards nominee who has performed in opera houses throughout Europe and North America.

Mexican-American tenor Ernesto Ramírez (POV's Maria Stuarda) sings the role of Lucia's jealous lover, Edgardo. He has been receiving rave reviews for his distinctive Italianate sound, dramatic flair, and expressive musicality.

Ernesto's wife, outstanding Canadian mezzo-soprano Michèle Bogdanowicz (POV's Così fan tutte) portrays Lucia's servant and confidante, Alisa. Also in the cast are Giles Tomkins as Raimondo, Owen McCausland as Arturo and Josh Lovell as Normanno.

Glynis Leyshon directs her 25th production for POV. Set and costume design are by Christina Poddubiuk (POV's Tosca) with lighting design by Guy Simard (POV's Thaïs). POV Artistic Director Timothy Vernon conducts the Victoria Symphony, and the POV Chorus is directed by Giuseppe Pietraroia.

Lucia di Lammermoor opens on February 12, 2015, and continues on February 14, 18, and 20, with a matinée February 22, at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street in Victoria. Evening performances begin at 8pm with pre-performance lectures at 7pm. Matinée performance on February 22 begins at 2:30pm, with pre-performance lecture at 1:30 pm. Lucia di Lammermoor is a three-act opera with one intermission. The opera is performed in Italian with English surtitles.

Priced between $25 and $135, including GST & box office service charges, tickets are available from the Royal and McPherson Box Office at 250-386-6121, or online at www.rmts.bc.ca.

Student RUSH tickets for those presenting valid student identification are available at the door of the theatre, 60 minutes prior to each performance, subject to availability. RUSH tickets are $15, inclusive of all box office charges.

For more information, contact Pacific Opera Victoria at 250-385-0222 or visit www.pov.bc.ca.

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