Acton Students to Participate with Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Erin Ianni.)

The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras will bring to life one of opera’s most compelling characters, Rigoletto, for a one-time-only performance of Verdi’s renowned Rigoletto. Verdi’s heart-breaking tale of love and deception has been a favorite of the operatic repertoire ever since the opening in 1851. Rigoletto, which premiered in Venice, Italy on March 11, 1851, is based on the play Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo.

Among the participants are Acton students Phoebe Liang, 17, and Wendy Yu, Acton, 16, who will both play the violin.

The story follows Rigoletto, the hunchbacked court jester, and the womanizing Duke of Mantua as they weave a mesmerizing tale of seduction, treachery, curses and vendettas. Verdi’s captivating music is performed by Boston Youth Symphony (BYS) musicians’ center stage, professional singers in the coveted main roles, and Handel and Haydn Society Chorus, all joining together in this one-time only exciting performance.

This is the sixth consecutive year that BYSO presents a full, semi-staged opera performance and is the only US youth orchestra to do so. After last year’s sold out performance of Verdi’s Falstaff, BYSO will present a Verdi opera for the third time. This semi-staged production will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.

This year (2013) marks the bi-centennial of the life of composer, Giuseppe Verdi. In celebration, BYSO presents this opera performance in collaboration with The Consulate General of Italy in Boston as part of a yearlong celebration titled: America Discovers Italy - a year long journey that will communicate and promote Italy engage enthuse Americans, strengthen the bonds that unite and create new ones.

This performance of Rigoletto will be conducted by BYSO Music Director, Federico Cortese, Doug Fitch as Stage Director and Designer, and the performance will feature the Handel and Haydn Society Chorus. This one time only performance takes place on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 3pm at Sanders Theatre at Harvard University. Tickets start at only $30 and discounted student and senior tickets are available; call Sanders Theatre Box Office at (617) 496-2222. Free parking is available at the Broadway Garage on Felton Street.

More information about the BYSO and its 55th season schedule is available at www.BYSOweb.org.