Does the opera give you jitters, the way lizards or strange noises at night might? If you're thinking that this genre of music totally gives off the vibe that it's way up there, then maybe it's time you rehash your cultural mindset. I might have felt the same way--but that was right before I spoke to a theater savant herself.

Reality is, the stellar (opera) singer that is Rachelle Gerodias is nothing but a down-to-earth Violetta. The music maven, whose voice has made quite the international impression, totally debunks the opera-snob perception that we (the unrefined) so crassly conjured up in our thoughts. 

The Cultural Center of the Philippines together with the Opera Guild Foundation of the Philippines, and Daejeon Opera Company of Korea will present the well-loved Italian opera La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi on March 2-4, 2012, 8:00 pm at the CCP Main Theater.

Directed by Floy Quintos with set and costume design by Eric Cruz, the La Traviata will be featuring an all-star cast: Korean soprano Yun Kyoung Yi, Korean baritone Daesan No, Korean tenor JaeWook Lee and Filipino opera stars Rachelle Gerodias, Andrew Fernando, and La Scala tenor Arthur Espiritu. In cooperation with the internationally awarded UST singers, prepare to be serenaded with live orchestral music performed by the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Rachelle Gerodias belting out a La Traviata teaser.

The title of Violetta will be performed by Korean soprano Yun-Kyoung Yi on March 2 and 4, while Filipino soprano Rachelle Gerodias will essay the role on March 3.

The heartfelt duet: Arthur Espiritu and Rachelle Gerodias switch into Alfredo-Violetta mode.

A conversation sung: a duet between Alfredo's father, Germont (played by Andrew Fernando) and Violetta.

The Pinoy La Traviata cast at the CCP press-con (L-R): Arthur Espiritu (Alfredo), Rachelle Gerodias (Violetta), CCP President Raul Sunico, & Andrew Fernando (Germont)

La Traviata revolves around the story of Violetta, a beautiful prostitute who, (as all heroines are wont to do), gives up the love of her life to appease his snooty family. It first premiered on March 6, 1853 at the La Fenice Opera House in Venice. Though having failed at its premiere, it attained success in the same city a year later. It's evolved into a timeless classic: second only to Mozart's The Magic Flute, it's one of the world's most popular operas. As the Pinoy cast members have mentioned: The plot is very teleserye, which makes it an easy-to-digest piece for both Filipinos and (opera) first-timers alike.

Here's a thing or two that you can relate to…

1) The opera that Richard Gere took Julia Roberts to in Pretty Woman was actually the La Traviata. Hmm...I wonder why?

2) The Moulin Rouge was also inspired by this musical masterpiece.

3) Boys: You've got the whole fat-lady singer thing wrong! Opera stars have gotten to be more beautiful through the years--the proof being Anna Netrebko. 

4) Rachelle Gerodias' (who will be playing Violetta for our local production) favorite genre of music is the Philippine kundiman. Though she'll be singing in Italian, her heart is still very much Filipino --and that, we gotta love!

5) Arthur Espiritu, who'll be playing Alfredo (Violetta's love interest), was once an angsty 15-year old too. The boy rocked out to the Smashing Pumpkins and Dream Theater (like every other normal teenager around the block), so what makes you think you won't be digging the opera anytime soon? 

6) Google Dead Man Walking. POP-opera, it does exist.

When Ms. Rachelle Gerodias was asked whether she would have difficulty relating to her role as Violetta (since she'll be singing in a foreign language), she replied…

"It's not foreign. I've fallen in love before." (BAM!)

"When you love someone unconditionally, you sacrifice A LOT." - Arthur Espiritu

"La Traviata revolves around a love more important than personal happiness." - Rachelle Gerodias

Hair-raising. In an entirely magnificent way, it's bound to make your heart beat faster. You know, that same sensation brought forth in a paranormal encounter. It's synonymous to the fright-induced love fall--scary and passionately exhilarating all at once. 

…then watch out for the Barber of Seville and Madame Butterfly--because they're set to take on the Philippine stage too. Madame Butterfly (co-produced with Music Artes of Jay Glorioso), is scheduled for June, while Barber of Seville (co-produced with Rustan's, Philippine Italian Association, and the Italian Embassy), is set to be performed this coming July.

For more information: Call the CCP.

In need of an opera crash course? Tune into 98.7 DZFE on the 25th of February (7:30 pm) for the Opera File Show (hosted by soprano Ms. Joanna Go).

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