Washington Concert Opera is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the greatest Italian composer of the 19th century, Giuseppe Verdi, by presenting two of his relatively unknown opera gems: I masnadieri and Il corsaro. These two operas, written early in Verdi’s career and premiered only one year apart, reveal Verdi’s amazing technical prowess and his expression of the deepest human emotions.
Having just completed I masnadieri to overwhelming acclaim on Sept. 2, WCO gears up for the second performance of the season. Il corsaro, to be presented 6 p.m., March 9,
on the Lisner Stage at George Washington University. In this story of pirates on the open seas, battles and adventure await chief pirate Corrado, performed by Michael Fabiano. Corrado is torn both by the call of this free and glorious lifestyle and by his true love, Medora (Nicole Cabell).
Joining Fabiano and Cabell in the role of Gulnara is the award-winning soprano Tamara Wilson. This opera, filled with loyalty, passion, jealousy, honor, and despair, is epic in scope and musical offerings, yet remains intimate and personal. Artistic director and conductor, Maestro Antony Walker, takes the stage for his 11th season with WCO.
For more information about WCO, as well as subscription and ticketing information, please visit www.concertopera.org.