La Traviata photo by Richard Termine
According to popular legend, after the March 1853 opening night of his opera, Verdi wrote to his secretary-pupil Emanuele Muzio: “La Traviata last night, fiasco. Is it my fault or the fault of the singers? Time will tell.” Whether or not the story is true, time has definitely proven Verdi’s work to be a masterpiece. Catch a performance at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Apr. 30 to May 12).—Sheri Radford
Sondra Radvanovsky and Scott Hendricks in Aida (photo by Michael Cooper)
OCTOBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 5 The Canadian Opera Company opens its latest season with Aida, one of opera’s most spectacular stories. Giuseppe Verdi’s tour de force tells the tale of a forbidden love between an Egyptian king and an Ethiopian slave set against a backdrop of war, jealousy and political intrigue. With soprano Sondra Radvanovsky in the lead role and acclaimed director Tim Albery at the helm, this new production is sure to be a stunning affair. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, $28 to $62; call 416-363-8231 or visit here for showtimes and to buy.
Otello (photo by Catherine Ashmore).
FEBRUARY 3 TO 28 One of Shakespeare’s most heart-wrenching tragedies is given a musical treatment in performances of Otello by the Canadian Opera Company.
A magnificently demanding score by composer Giuseppe Verdi enhances the drama in this devastating tale of love and betrayal. For this revival, directed by Paul Curran and conducted by Paolo Olmi, seasoned tenor Clifton Forbis returns to the Toronto stage in the title role following an acclaimed run as Tristan in Tristan und Isolde at the Opera National de Paris. Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, $31 to $292; call 416-363-8231 or navigate here for times and tickets.
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Stay, Dine, Do
