During 2016, Verismo Opera, the house opera company of bergenPAC, will present Amilcare Ponchielli's La Gioconda and Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto.
Verismo Opera begins the season in seventeenth century Venice, Italy with its debut of the plot-filled opera La Gioconda Sunday, April 17.
Based on Angelo, Tyrant of Padua by Victor Hugo, the story, replete with twists and turns, takes place during the rule of the doges.
On Oct. 23, the company presents the drama Rigoletto.
The fully staged operas will be performed with the complete cast attired in period costume under the direction of General Manager and Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif.
Principal Maestra Lucy Arner will debut with the company in La Gioconda leading the Verismo Opera Orchestra.
The Verismo Opera Chorus under Chorus Director and Associate Conductor Mara Waldman will sing in Italian in La Gioconda.
In October, the Verismo Opera Chorus will join the company again to perform in Rigoletto.
"These traditional operas present realism and remain true to the original with the music, grand sets, and beautiful costumes. Both operas will introduce another generation to the splendors of complete, professional productions," said Lucine Amara, artistic director for the Verismo Opera.
Tickets are on sale for La Gioconda and may be purchased online or in person at bergenPAC’s box office, 30 N. Van Brunt St., Englewood.
For ticket information, call (201) 227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW. The theater is handicapped accessible. Designated handicapped parking spaces are available.
For information about bergenPAC's accessibility services, contact the theater's Americans With Disabilities coordinator at (201) 816-8160, Ext. 31.
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