Giuseppe Verdi Returns To Sarasota Opera.
The last time Sarasota Opera performed Nabucco, the work that solidified Verdi’s reputation as an opera composer, was in 1995. The production was part of the company’s historic 28-year Verdi Cycle, a feat that made Sarasota Opera the only company in the world to have performed all of Verdi’s music. John Fleming of the Tampa Bay Times called the Cycle “One of the most significant achievements in the opera world.”
“I felt that Verdi’s return to our Winter Festival should be acknowledged beyond our main stage performances,” explained Sarasota Opera’s Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi. “Verdi belongs to our whole community and I hope that taking him outside our Opera House will give everyone a chance to know more about him and better appreciate his accomplishments.”
Starting this month, Sarasota Opera has created a number of events, talks, and concerts around the performances of Verdi’s Nabucco, even featuring open rehearsals of Nabucco’s “Va pensiero sull’ali dorate” where anyone can learn to sing opera’s most famous chorus.
FREE EVENT
Learn to Sing “Va pensiero” and celebrate Verdi’s Birthday
October 10, 2018 – 5 p.m.
Felding Hall – Join the Sarasota Opera Apprentice and Studio Artists to celebrate Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday by learning to sing the iconic chorus “Va pensiero sull’ali dorate” from his first great success, Nabucco. The event will conclude with a toast to Verdi and a birthday cake.
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