Press Release

November 6, 2024

Opera Western Reserve Announces Fall 2024 Opera Presentation

YOUNGSTOWN, OH (November 6, 2024): Following the success of Carmen in November 2023, Opera Western Reserve will return to the DeYor Performing Arts Center again in November 2024. Under the stage direction of Scott Skiba and music direction of Susan Davenny Wyner, Opera Western Reserve will present Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 7:30pm in Edward W. Powers Auditorium. Making their Opera Western Reserve debut, Soprano Alisa Jordheim sings the role of Violetta; Tenor, Jose Simerilla Romero joins as Violetta’s lover Alfredo; and Baritone Luis Ledesma portrays Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont.

La traviata, composed by Verdi with libretto by Francesco Maria Piave adapted from the novel titled “La Dame aux camélias” by Alexandre Dumas fils, is broken into three acts. La traviata tells about love in its many forms: happiness in meeting, pleasure in bodies and minds, fight against convention, social condemnation, the pain of separation, and untimely death.

La traviata is a riveting tale of scandal, forbidden relationships, and damaged reputations. It contains some of the most memorable melodies in opera including “Sempre libera” and the iconic drinking song “Brindisi.”

Tickets for La traviata are on sale now at the YourArts Box Office by calling 330-259-9651 or visit in person at 260 West
Federal Street in Youngstown, Ohio. Tickets are also available 24 hours a day online at operawesternreserve.org.