Opera Titans:  

 

The Power and Passion of
Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini

Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Tickets: $65

ON STAGE CABARET SEATING

Runtime: 120 mins

Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini are towering figures in the world of opera, each contributing significantly to the operatic canon with their unique styles and innovations. Giuseppe Verdi's emotionally charged operas, such as "La Traviata" and "Rigoletto," epitomize Italian opera's passion and melodrama. Richard Wagner, on the other hand, revolutionized the genre with his epic and mythic works like "Tannhaüser" and "The Ring Cycle," pushing the boundaries of opera with his use of leitmotifs and expansive orchestration. Lastly, Giacomo Puccini's masterpieces like "La Bohème" and "Madama Butterfly" introduced a level of realism and emotional depth that resonated deeply with audiences, cementing his status as a beloved composer of verismo opera. Together, these three composers have left an indelible mark on the operatic repertoire, ensuring their enduring importance in the world of classical music."

Here a few specific selections that will be featured on the program:

Baritone Rafael Porto will sing “O du, mein holder Abendstern” from Richard Wagner's Tannhäuser. In the aria, Wolfram greets the Evening Star for offering hope in darkness.

Soprano Cara Collins will sing Tosca's iconic aria, "Vissi d'Arte" from Giacomo Puccini's opera, Tosca. In the aria, Tosca thinks of her fate, how the life of her beloved, Mario Cavaradossi, is at the mercy of Baron Scarpia and why God has seemingly abandoned her.

The quartet of singers will perform one of opera's most famous and beloved ensembles, the "Rigoletto Quartet". It has been described as a "masterful quartet that is an intricate musical depiction of four personalities and their overlapping agendas".

Featuring:

Cara Collins, soprano

Ola Rafalo, mezzo soprano

Alex Gmeinder, tenor

Rafael Porto, baritone

Jonathan Gmeinder, pianist