Tickets Now on Sale for Opera Kelowna’s Double Bill of Pagliacci and Gianni Schicchi
Double the drama, double the delight! Tickets are now on sale for Opera Kelowna’s summer production, a captivating double bill featuring Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci and Giacomo Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.
Supported by Season Sponsor ATB Wealth, the performances will take place on Friday, Aug. 23, and Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
Opera Kelowna’s innovative production transports these classic operas to the 1930s Okanagan, a setting that will resonate with local audiences. Pagliacci tells the tragic story of a jealous husband in a travelling theatre troupe, culminating in a dramatic conclusion. Gianni Schicchi, on the other hand, offers a comedic tale of a cunning family scheme over inheritance, promising laughter and hijinks.
“This double bill brings together the extremes of human emotion, from the depths of despair in Pagliacci to the heights of hilarity in Gianni Schicchi,” says Rosemary Thomson, Artistic Director of Opera Kelowna. “Our production not only showcases the talents of nationally recognized performers and director Glynis Leyshon but also incorporates unique references to our local history.”
This production provides a fantastic way to experience opera in a welcoming environment. The two operas will be performed in their original Italian with English translations projected, making it easy to follow along and fully enjoy the experience. Audiences will recognize iconic arias such as “Vesti la giubba” from Pagliacci and “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi.
Opera Kelowna’s original production allows audiences to experience the unamplified power of operatic voices filling the theatre, and features a professional orchestral ensemble and local chorus, highlighting both local talent and nationally recognized performers.
As season sponsor ATB Wealth is thrilled to be a part of the exceptional line-up that Opera Kelowna offers throughout this season, but there is something truly special about this signature double bill performance,” says Sherri Wright-Schwietz, Senior Vice-President of Advisory Services for ATB Wealth. “We look forward to sharing in the magic of this innovative production.”
In line with its commitment to accessibility, Opera Kelowna will allocate 10% of all mainstage performance tickets on a Pay-What-You-Wish basis, made possible with support of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation.
For more information about Opera Kelowna’s 2024 summer season and to purchase tickets to Pagliacci & Gianni Schicchi, please visit operakelowna.com.
