SARASOTA – It’s the final opera of the 2020 Winter Opera Festival.
It’s an opera performed only eight times in the nation.
“La Wally is a work that has only had two other productions in its history in the United States,” Sarasota Opera House executive director, Richard Russell, said. “One was at the Metropolitan Opera in 1908 and the other one was at the Sarasota Opera in 1989. So, this will be the third production.”
Russell says it’s a rarely heard piece, but it’s just so gorgeous.”
“And a lot of us can’t understand why it’s rarely heard,” Russell said.
It’s a work not seen in the U.S. for about 30 years. Executive Director, Richard Russel, performed in the Sarasota Opera’s first production in 1989.
“I was in the chorus of the opera. And our stage director, who’s directing this production, Stephanie Sundine, played the title role of Wally,” Russell said.
It’s a convoluted story where a free-spirited and strong-willed women, Wally,
“She was a wild woman,” Russell said.
She disobeys her father who wants to arrange her marriage. But, she was in love with his enemy.
So she leaves home and tries to win the man of her dreams. Complications arose, which, spoiler alert, led to tragedy.
“The two lovers die in an avalanche,” Russell said.
Which takes place backstage. It’s an allusion; the audience can see the snow and hear the terror in Wally’s voice.
While it ends in horror, the opera offers what Russel says, is some of the most beautiful music.
“There are two great big arias for the soprano and there’s a couple of wonderful orchestral interludes. It’s really a great great opera,” Russell said.
The production is rare and Russell says it’s worth seeing.
“This is a chance to see something you might not have a chance to see again,” Russell said.
La Wally has six performances through March 22. Tickets start at 19 dollars. For more information, visit SarasotaOpera.org, call (941) 328-1300, or visit the box office at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
