WIN one of three pairs of tickets to see Verdi’s most famous opera, La Traviata.
The first prize winner will also receive a copy of La Dame aux Camelias by Alexandre Dumas, fils. Verdi based his opera on this tale which closely follows Dumas’ own life.
Producer Ellen Kent has teamed up with the Ukrainian National Opera in Kharkiv to tour with the popular show.
During preparations for the tour Kent found herself just a few miles outside of the conflict which engulfed the Baltic nation early last year.
Despite Foreign Office advice not to travel to the area because of the risk of a fatal injury, Kent transported the sets, props and costumes needed to stage the opera.
A new company was formed, bringing together Ukrainian, Moldovan and Russian performers. The sets have been designed by renowned Ukrainian designer Nadia Shvets and the soloists handpicked from the national operas of Odessa, Spain and Rostov.
La Traviata is the true story of searing passion and memorable music telling of the life and love of the passionate but consumptive Violetta and her doomed romance with the aristocratic Alfredo.
Verdi’s interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, includes highlights such as the Brindisi, the best-known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and the aria Addio Del Passato.
Alongside a 70-strong company, soloists include international sopranos Alyona Kistenyova and Maria Tsonina, baritone Vladimir Dragos, and tenors Ruslan Zinevych, who has sung with Pavarotti, and Giorgio Meladze, who joined JoséCarreras on stage last year. There are also local dancers, children and adults who join the cast.
To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see the show at the Hexagon in Reading, on February 6, answer the following question and send your answer, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: La Traviata Competition, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley, RG9 1AD.
What is composer Verdi’s first name?
The winners will be selected at random after the closing date of January 23. The prize is non-refundable and there is no cash alternative. Normal Standard competition rules apply and the Editor’s decision is final.
Box office 0118 960 6060 or online at www.readingarts.com
l La Traviata also appears at the New Theatre in Oxford on February 20. Box office www.atgtickets.com
It will be at the Wycombe Swan on February 22. Box office 01494 512000 or online at www.wycombeswan.co.uk
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Galleries from Slough and its surrounding villages. To search for a specific photo, please use the reference number printed in the newspaper caption.
Galleries from Marlow and its surrounding villages. To search for a specific photo, please use the reference number printed in the newspaper caption.
Galleries from Windsor and its surrounding villages. To search for a specific photo, please use the reference number printed in the newspaper caption.
Galleries from Maidenhead and its surrounding villages. To search for a specific photo, please use the reference number printed in the newspaper caption.
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