Friday, August 2, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center
Natalie Dessay as Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata.” Photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera
French soprano, Natalie Dessay, one of the world’s greatest singing actresses, stars as Violetta, the fatally ill courtesan, Verdi’s most beloved heroine, in La Traviata screening at Orcas Center on Friday, August 2 at 7: 30 pm. Orcas audiences will remember Dessay from her enchanting portrayal of Cleopatra in Handel’s Giulio Cesare.
Verdi’s opera, La Traviata, a timeless story of love and sacrifice, is one of the most popular in history. Willy Decker’s spectacular staging uses highly theatrical effects, including all-black costumes with a single red party dress for Violetta and an omnipresent clock ticking away the remaining hours of Violetta’s life, to tell the opera’s story.
Matthew Polenzani, who starred in the new production premiere of Decker’s staging, repeats his acclaimed performance as Alfredo, while Dmitri Hvorostovsky, one of the world’s most famous Verdi baritones, sings the role of Giorgio Germont.
Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi leads his fifth Live in HD transmissions of the season, following Siegfried, Götterdämmerung, Don Giovanni, and the April 7 transmission of Manon.
“It is pointless to separate singing and acting in a Dessay performance. Every vocal phrase is impelled by the emotion and dramatic intention of the moment.” —New York Times
Tickets for The Met: Live Summer Encore La Traviata are $18, $13 students, and $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon – 4 pm. For more information about Orcas Center 2013 season events, please visit www.orcascenter.org.
