INSIGHT SERIES | La Traviata: Musical, Dramatic, Cultural and Vocal Challenges (March 16)

La Traviata: Musical, Dramatic, Cultural and Vocal Challenges, by Nancie Kennedy
Friday, March 16 at 6:45 PM in Maryland Hall room 308

In her informal 45 minute pre-curtain talks, Nancie Kennedy, a member of the AO Advisory Board, will focus on the musical, dramatic and vocal challenges of La Traviata as well as the social, cultural and historical context of this nineteenth-century masterpiece. Why did Verdi compose it? What stylistic & technical changes are unique to this work? What vocal skills are required and how do singers prepare these roles? Why was this world-famous opera a fiasco at its premiere? Why is this story still so relevant in today's world?

Now retired from a 35 year performing and teaching career, soprano Nancie Kennedy taught studio voice & Elderhostel classes at Eastman Community Music School in Rochester, NY, Anne Arundel Community College and Peabody Preparatory in both Baltimore and Annapolis. Her performing and recording credits include the Baltimore Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Strathmore Hall, Smithsonian, London Symphony Orchestra and National Public Radio among many others.