Palm Beach Opera Presents First LUNCH & LEARN Of The Season

Palm Beach Opera presented the first of its 2018-2019 Lunch & Learn series for an insightful portrait of Giuseppe Verdi's "La traviata," the company's upcoming opera.

On Jan. 17, Palm Beach Opera hosted Lunch & Learn at West Palm Beach's National Croquet Center, featuring a thoughtful presentation by Maestro Antonello Allemandi and Palm Beach Opera's Director of Artistic Operations Scott Guzielek, paired with performances by the company's artists in residence.

Allemandi, who conducted Palm Beach Opera's acclaimed production of "Rigoletto" in 2017, walked guests through the music of "La traviata" and Verdi's unique musical style, providing examples through live opera performed by Benenson Young Artists Joanna Latini and Robert Stahley, accompanied by Timothy Cheung.

A Verdi specialist, Allemandi made his conducting debut in Florence at just 21 years old and has since established an international career working in famed opera houses around the world, including Italy's La Scala, Paris Opera and The Metropolitan Opera. Marking his second time working with Palm Beach Opera, Allemandi will lead the cast and orchestra in the company's upcoming production of "La traviata" this weekend at the Kravis Center.

"We are thrilled to present Maestro Allemandi and his esteemed artistry to our community again this season," said General Director Daniel Biaggi. "His expert musical leadership and knowledge provided for a thought-provoking Lunch & Learn, and will no doubt make for an unforgettable 'La traviata' this weekend."

Attendees included Gladys Benenson, Elizabeth Bowden, William Brown, Arlette Gordon, Ingrid Kosowsky, Elayne Mordes and David Abrahami, Jay and Nancy Parker, Ari Rifkin, and Sheryl Wood among others, as well as Palm Beach Opera's General Director Daniel Biaggi, Director of Artistic Operations Scott Guzielek, and Managing Director David Walker.

Palm Beach Opera's Lunch & Learn series is designed to provide patrons with an inside look into upcoming productions over lunch, featuring aligned programming presented by artistic staff and live performances by the company's Benenson Young Artists. Tickets are $89. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit pbopera.org/lunch-and-learn or call 561-833-7888.

Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents mainstage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

Photo credit: Coastal Click Photography

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