Palm Beach Opera Presents Iconic LA TRAVIATA At Kravis Center

Palm Beach Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi's iconic opera "La traviata" at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts for one weekend only, on Jan. 25-27

The first opera of the company's 2018-2019 season, "La traviata" tells the heartbreaking story of a courtesan's impossible choice between love and moral obligation, set in 19th century Paris. Palm Beach Opera's traditional production features lavish costumes and sets, elaborate ensemble numbers featuring dancers from Ballet Palm Beach - a new collaboration to bolster the company's commitment to present local and International Artists - and one of opera's most famous melodies, "Libiamo."

Sopranos Kristina Mkhitaryan, who recently made her Metropolitan Opera debut this season, and Jacqueline Echols (Jan. 26), praised for her "dynamic range and vocal acrobatics" by Classical Voice, will sing the shared role of Violetta in debut performances. Returning to Palm Beach Opera as Alfredo Germont is tenor Alexey Tatarintsev, who recently appeared in the company's production of "Rigoletto," and former Palm Beach Opera Benenson Young Artist Derrek Stark (Jan. 26).

With more than 100 performances at Italy's famed La Scala behind him, and a recent debut with Paris Opera, baritone Massimo Cavalletti will make his Palm Beach Opera debut as Giorgio Germont. Palm Beach Opera's 2018-2019 Benenson Young Artist Natalie Rose Havens will sing the role of Flora Bervoix, and former Benenson Young Artist Brian Wallin, who has returned to the artist training program for another season, will sing Gastone.

The cast and orchestra will be led by Verdi specialist Maestro Antonello Allemandi, who conducted the company's internationally acclaimed production of "Rigoletto." Winner of the 2016 International Opera Award for Young Director, Director Fabio Ceresa will make both his Palm Beach Opera and American debut, marking his first time directing a production in the United States. Lighting Designer Stuart Duke will return to Palm Beach Opera after debuting with the company last season in "Tosca."

"La traviata" will be sung in Italian with English supertitles. Tickets are available for purchase at pbopera.org or by calling the box office at 561-833-7888. For the 2018-2019 season, Palm Beach Opera will also present "Don Giovanni" in February and "Die Fledermaus" in March.

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 main stage 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.

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