A famous actress falls in love with a Count, who is also pursued by a jealous princess. A bitter rivalry ensues which ends in murder and death.
This is the story of “Adriana Lecouvreur,” written by Italian composer Franceso Cilea, which Airdronians will encounter at a one night only performance by Calgary Concert Opera at the Lutheran Church of the Master this Friday.
Conducted by William Shookhoff, the opera stars Kathleen Morrison in the title role of Adriana Lecouvreur, and Ernesto Ramírez as the Count of Saxony. But for Airdronians local mezzo-soprano Alicia Woynarski, who plays the role of the murderously jealous princess, will likely be the highlight of the evening’s performance.
“It’s a really beautiful opera with beautiful singing, beautiful music,” explained Barbara King, who is artistic director of the Calgary Concert Opera. “The opera revolves around a love triangle, and some violets. The violets represent innocence, everlasting love, faithfulness, but in this opera they (symbolize death).”
King said Airdrie is fortunate, and her company is fortunate, to have a talent like Woynarski playing one of the three main leads in the opera.
“She is one of the lead singers in this production, and she lives in Airdrie,” said King. “We love to promote local artists.”
King said the whole point of bringing Calgary Concert Opera’s production of “Adriana Lecouvreur” to smaller cities around Calgary like Airdrie is to help make the art form more accessible to local listeners.
“We want to really bring opera to the masses, and let them know it is not pretentious,” she explained. “They don’t have to come dressed in gowns. They can come in their jeans, or come in very comfortable wear. People make it a night out. They go out for dinner and then they come to the opera.”
King said Airdrie has been a great place to host productions in the past, and part of it is the great venue at the Lutheran Church of the Master.
“It has beautiful acoustics,” she stated. “We love singing there, and the seats are very comfortable. There is also free parking. It’s a perfect venue.”
King wanted to encourage Airdronians to come out and support their hometown opera star in Woynarski, and to just generally come out and have a good time listening to beautiful music, watching great acting, and cheering on the astonishing vocal performances.
“People can clap. People can cheer. We want them to be involved in it. We are singing for the audience, and we want their emotions to come back to us when we are singing.”
Tickets are available in advance through the Calgary Concert Opera’s website at www.calgaryconcertopera.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the door the night of the performance using either cash or credit card, but seating cannot be guaranteed.
Curtain time for “Adriana Lecouvreur” is 7:30 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 22 at the Lutheran Church of the Master.
