Minoru Chapel Opera is setting up a special encounter between Richmond music lovers and 19th century opera composer Giuseppe Verdi.
The Viva Verdi! concert - to be held on Nov. 7 as part of the Minoru Chapel Opera Fall 2012 season - offers community members an opportunity to learn more about Verdi's music and personality, as he will be brought back to life through his compositions and life story.
"It will be a delightful experience for everyone; not only for those who already know Verdi and want to hear more, but also for those who are enchanted with the world of music and want to learn what it is about," said Charles Barber, City Opera Vancouver artistic director.
Referring to his musical accomplishments, Charles Barber, City Opera Vancouver artistic director, said Verdi invented characters on stage.
"And even if you visit them again and again, Verdi's music is so rich you will always discover something you hadn't heard before."
The performers chosen to familiarize Richmond with Verdi's repertoire are baritone Willy Miles-Grenzberg, soprano Shadan Saul and tenor Kwangmin Brian Lee.
"They are young professionals, chosen not only for their voices, but also because they know how to interact with an audience," Barber said.
Also taking the stage is narrator Tom Durrie, "the tissue connecting arias, duets and trios," said Barber, explaining Durrie's main task is to provide the audience with a sense of the time and place wherein Verdi worked his magic.
While Barber hopes to reach as many Richmondites as possible, he is well aware of the widespread belief that opera "is for wealthy people who wear mink and drive Rolls-Royces."
But according to Barber, "opera isn't like a funeral house at all; it's like being at a birthday party where you celebrate the birth of your first meeting with the style of music."
Moreover, "there is a reason opera has been around for over 400 years; it's beautiful and we keep investigating it all the time," he said.
To those ready to further explore Verdi's body of work, Barber recommends to not come alone.
"Bring someone you love, have a great time together and experience beautiful music that will make sense to you, perhaps for the very first time."
The Viva Verdi! concert will take place Nov. 7 at Minoru Chapel, 6540 Gilbert Rd.
The shows are at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. It is recommended to buy tickets ahead of time by calling 604276-4300, but tickets can also be purchased at the door depending on availability.
Admission is $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors.
For more information, visit www. richmond.ca/minoruchapel.
