The Academy of Vocal Arts presents the Philadelphia premiere of Giuseppe Verdi’s first opera, Oberto, in concert with orchestra, January 26 and 27 in the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater and January 31 at The Haverford School.  AVA’s music director Christofer Macatsoris will conduct the AVA Opera Orchestra.  Featured in the role of Leonora is soprano Michelle Johnson, a 2011 national winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions. 

SYNOPSIS

Obertotakes place in Northern Italy in 1228.  Riccardo, the Count of Salinguerra is about to wed Cuniza, the sister of Ezzelino da Romano, but has seduced and abandoned Leonora, daughter of Oberto, Count of San Bonafacio, who was recently defeated in battle by the Salinguerra.  Oberto and Leonora travel to Bassano, where the wedding is to take place, to tell Cuniza.  Unwilling to accept her future husband’s infidelity, Cuniza calls off the wedding, but Oberto demands revenge.  He challenges Riccardo to a duel, and is mortally wounded.  Riccardo goes into self-imposed exile and Leonora enters a convent.

Tickets are $60 for Adults, $50 for Seniors,$25 for anyone 30&Under, and $10 for Students.  ID is required for 30&Under and Student tickets.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.avaopera.orgor call 215-735-1685.

Photo: Michelle Johnson in the title role of Suor Angelica.  PAUL SIROCHMAN.