For the avid opera fanatics on campus, prepare to be blown away on March 11,  at 12:55 p.m. as the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center screens a simulcast of “La Traviata” via The Met: Live in HD.
A three-act opera by Giuseppe Verdi set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, La Traviata had its world premiere at the Teatro la Fenice in Venice, 1853.
Though its initial performance was relatively unsuccessful, it has today become one of the most well-known and beloved operas.
Originally named Violetta after the title character, the opera focuses on this woman who is aware that she is close to death due to her life as a courtesan.
However, she later feels that she has been fully awakened by love after meeting a young man by the name of Alfredo Germont, who has taken an interest in Violetta for some time and goes as far to even ask about the state of her health each day.
At the start of second act, Violetta and Alfredo are happy and settled together in the country until, after leaving for Paris to secure more funds, Alfredo’s father, Giorgi Germont, visits the young woman and demands she leave Alfredo, as her previous profession as a courtesan has impeded the potential engagement of Giorgio’s daughter and is therefore causing a detriment to his family.
The rest of the opera is an emotional and poignant story about the twists and turns of fate and true love that must be seen to be truly appreciated for its beauty.
In the simulcast by the Met Opera: Live in HD, Sonya Yoncheva shines in the starring role of Violetta, opposite Michael Fabiano as her lover, Alfredo, and Thomas Hampson as his father, Giorgio. With a spectacular cast, this performance will be one you won’t want to miss!
The estimated run time of this production is 2 hours and 33 minutes, with a short intermission between the first and second acts.
Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students and $10 for youth.
Tickets are free for Mercyhurst students with their ID.
They are available online or at the Mercyhurst box office at 814-824-3000.