Sunderland Empire to host festival of opulent opera – festive offer £7 off

FESTIVE OFFER: £7 off Premium & Band A. Book and pay by 31 December 2017*. Quote ‘CHRISTMAS’ at time of booking.

The love story that gripped Paris takes to the Sunderland Empire stage when Opera and Ballet International presents Ellen Kent’s Opera Festival opening with Verdi’s La Traviata on Friday 26 January 2018. Starring the International sopranos Alyona Kistenyova† and Maria HeeJung Kim with highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

La Traviata is Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias by Alexander Dumas, a tragic tale of searing passion and memorable music.

This operatic version tells the romantic story about the love and life of the courtesan, Violetta. Based on a true story, it tells of the passionate consumptive Violetta and her doomed love for the aristocratic Alfredo. There are many echoes of Verdi’s own life in Traviata and he threw himself into the music. This was also Verdi’s venture into operatic realism as was Rigoletto, rejecting distant historical settings. The highlights include the Brindisi, the best known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and the haunting aria Addio Del Passato.

One of the world’s most popular operas, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly then takes centre stage on Saturday 27 January 2018 and tells the heart-breaking story of the beautiful young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American naval lieutenant – with dramatic results. Highlights include the melodic Humming Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the unforgettable Love Duet.

Both productions will be sung in Italian with English surtitles and cast are subject to change.

Tickets available from the Box Office on High Street West, via the ticket centre 0844 871 3022* or www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland *calls cost 7p per minute plus standard network charges. Booking and transaction fees may apply to telephone and online bookings.