'La Traviata' Opens March 9, at Bankhead Theater March 9, 2013

March 9, 16 at 8pm; March 10, 17 at 2pm

The Tri-Valley's own regional opera company, the Livermore Valley Opera, presents Verdi's romantic story of love and heart-break with La Traviata. Four performances on March 9, and 16, 8pm; 10 and 17 2pm. Opening Night Gala celebration dinner at Uncle Yu's at the Vineyard, 4:30pm, separate ticket purchase.

"La Traviata offers an emotional ride between the gaiety of 1800's Parisian parties and the despair of a poignant ending," says LVO President Jim Schmidt. "It belongs in the top tier of opera with some of the most familiar and enjoyable music known, and our cast brings the characters to life with rich vibrant voices and commanding stage presence."

La Traviata is one of the most popular operas and a staple of the standard operatic repertoire. It is the story of a lost woman who is rendered virtuous by her tortured and shattered love for the one man who dared to love her in spite of her past. Soprano Rebecca Davia sings Violetta, tenor David Gustafson sings Alfredo her lover, and Torlef Borsting sings Germont, Alfredo's disapproving father.

Opening Night Gala at Uncle's Yu's at the Vineyards is $85 and includes appetizers, wine and dinner followed by a dessert reception in the Bankhead Theater lobby. The welcome reception begins at 4:30 pm. Guests will have a chance to meet the Stage Director Brian Luedloff and Alexander Katsman, LVO's Artistic Director and Music Director and Conductor.

Included in the ticket price are pre-opera talks providing insights to the featured opera, held one hour prior to curtain, and post-performance artist reception in the lobby.

Official Website: http://www.livermoreperformingarts.org