PR 22/23 Traviata Cast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - DEC 1, 2022

WILMINGTON, Del. – OperaDelaware will present Verdi’s timeless and tragic love story La traviata on March 31 and April 2, 2023, at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington. La traviata tells the story of a bold and fearless courtesan who longs for freedom above all else, until she encounters a young romantic who inspires her to dream of a life filled with love. Despite their devotion, the lovers are tested when family obligations, money, and the inescapable reality of human mortality threaten to tear them apart. Verdi’s sumptuous music and evocative storytelling will enrapture audiences from the thrilling downbeat to the heartbreakingly beautiful climax of this enduring romance. 

Soprano Lindsay Ohse returns to OperaDelaware to sing Violetta Valery, the intoxicating courtesan at the center of La traviata’s devastating drama. She recently sang the title role in Rossini’s Semiramide in OperaDelaware’s 2017 joint production with Opera Baltimore. Lindsay’s 2022/23 season will include performances of Papagena in The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera, Musetta in La Bohème with Annapolis Opera, and Niece 1 in Peter Grimes with Bayerische Staatsoper. Hailed as an artist who “stole every moment she was onstage” (Portland Mercury), Lindsay will undoubtedly infuse her portrayal of Verdi’s heroine with her signature grace, humanity, and “golden sound” (Rutland Herald).

Tenor Matthew Vickers will take on the role of the ardent and open-hearted Alfredo, whose love for Violetta is only matched by his naïveté. Matthew has previously performed on the OperaDelaware stage in productions of Amleto and Il Tabarro, and he has been praised throughout his international career for his “brilliant and golden voice” (die Kleine Zeitung) and as a “gutsy performer whose glowing tenor voice has interestingly dark, baritonal undertones” (Opera Now).

Baritone Benjamin Taylor will take on the role of Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s protective and authoritative father. Benjamin’s 2022/23 season includes performances as Schaunard in La Bohème with Boston Lyric Opera and Opera Philadelphia, and Bello in La Fanciulla del West with Bayerische Staatsoper. Additionally, Benjamin plays Papageno to Lindsay Ohse’s Papagena in The Magic Flute at the Metropolitan Opera. As an artist praised for his “beautiful baritone [that] seethed with emotion” (Seen and Heard International), Benjamin will bring gravitas and complexity to the role of Alfredo’s vigilant and aristocratic protector.

To prepare audiences for this joint production of La traviata, which shares these incredible music-makers with audiences in Delaware and Maryland, OperaDelaware and Opera Baltimore will present a series of virtual pre-performance discussions and interviews with the cast, creative team, and scholarly experts. 

“Regardless of one’s level of experience with opera, we have found that people are far more invested when they can relate to the subject matter and feel connected to the artists, the music, and the story before the performance begins,” says OperaDelaware’s Vice President of Engagement, Kerriann Otaño. “In a joint effort with Opera Baltimore, we will present four virtual lectures hosted by Dr. Aaron Ziegel of Towson University to provide important context and give the audience a glimpse into this challenging but profoundly human art form.” The lectures will be supplemented with interviews with the cast and creative team which will be available on OperaDelaware’s social media and website. These informal and approachable conversations will offer unique perspective on the artists’ experiences and interpretation of this timeless story, and will strive to serve OperaDelaware’s ongoing efforts to increase accessibility, approachability, and create “opera for all”.

Experience the story that served as inspiration for both Moulin Rouge and Pretty Woman through the lens of one of opera’s most celebrated and influential composers. OperaDelaware presents Verdi’s La traviata on March 31 and April 2, 2023, at The Grand Opera House. For tickets and more information, visit operade.org or call the box office at 302-442-7807.

About OperaDelaware: OperaDelaware, now in its 78th season, is a professional non-profit opera company with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education. OperaDelaware opens the door to bold, vibrant and creative operatic programming that enriches the community, transforms audiences, and encourages dialogue.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Press contact: For interview requests, please email Kerriann Otaño at kotano@operade.org or call 302-442-7812.

Organizational images: Available for download here.

Advertising inquiries: For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Jordan Barrett at jbarrett@operade.org.