A rare opera performance on Black Friday in Escondido

There is a chance to hear opera on Black Friday weekend. Pacific Lyric Association is presenting Verdi’s La Traviata at the California Center for the Arts Escondido.

Singing the lead role of Violetta is L.A.-based soprano Jen Lindsay. She is the real deal. Check the video from the orchestra rehearsal. You just don't get a chance to hear a voice like this in a setting such as this.

The rest of the principal cast is stellar, as is the chorus, which includes up-and-coming singers along with members of the San Diego Opera chorus.

Ever since Lyric Opera San Diego folded in 2011 this type of intimate opera experience has been rare. The performances are in the smaller theater at the arts center. With just 400 seats, every patron is close to the show.

Pacific Lyric Association has produced operas such as Carmen, Rigoletto, and Cavalleria Rusticana over the years. La Traviata follows their preferred format. The opera is sung in Italian with English narration before each scene.

Pacific Lyric Association produces traditional opera, which means the costumes and setting are as close to the original as possible. Of course, budget comes into it. With smaller companies the ability to create exact period costuming is difficult.

That being said, this Traviata looks beautiful onstage and packs an emotional punch. The production also features a complete orchestra which is uncommon for local opera.

The performances are on Friday, November 25, 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 27, 3 p.m.

Tickets available here.