True love and sacrifice. The power of parental influences in our lives. Deep regret and sorrow.
Every emotion in the spectrum of human drama will play out on stage and within the music of Verdi's "La Traviata" as Lyric Opera Virginia debuts in Richmond on Sept. 16.
The Tidewater-based opera company's inaugural season will make its mark not only there and in Richmond, but also will premier in Charlottesville with three shows scheduled for the 2011-12 season.
Peter Mark, Lyric Opera Virginia artistic director, who has more than three decades of experience with Virginia's opera scene, created the new company with the goal of providing a fresh experience for seasoned opera fans while attracting new ones.
His shows will incorporate shorter-length operas with Broadway-style theater productions.
The format "immediately gets into your core and under your skin," Mark said. "It's the human story; it's just enhanced and carried into your bloodstream by the pulse of the music."
"La Traviata" runs Sept. 16 and 18. It's the story of a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with a younger man, and despite loving him, gives him up at the request of the man's father because she's bringing shame upon his family.
"It is really a powerful experience," Marks said. "It is about society's strict rules in conflict with the reality of people's emotions."
"We can all relate to that," he added.
In January, audiences will be treated to a classic. "The King & I" runs Jan. 20 and 22, and follows the conflicted relationship and unspoken love between King Mongkut of Siam and a British governess he hired to care for his children.
At each venue, the show will feature local kids playing the king's children. The show will be part of the statewide Minds Wide Open celebration, of which this year's theme is Children in the Arts.
The Jewel Box version of "Carmen" rounds out the season May 19 and 20. The format, Mark said, means the themes and characters are strung together for a shorter yet powerful show.
"If you're coming to the opera for the first time, the Jewel Box is really going to interest you," Mark said. "Those are the formats that make this company unique."
"La Traviata" and "Carmen" will take place at the Paul R. Cramer Center for the Arts on the campus of the Steward School, 11600 Gayton Road. "The King & I" will take place at the Landmark Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.
Subscriptions are available for evening or Sunday shows and are $58 to $268. For information, visit www.lyricoperavirginia.org or call (757) 446-6666.
(804) 649-6945
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