Right in the backyard of Ruby Hill is Livermore Valley Opera, a professional opera company that presents wonderful performances for the Bay area. Beginning in March, the show will be Mozart’s The Magic Flute and it promises to be not only visually stunning but also a phenomenal auditory experience.  "The Magic Flute is a family-oriented and delightful experience any of the Ruby Hill residents would have if they attended this show,” stated Barbara Lymberis, Stroll/LVO liaison.

 

LVO was founded in 1992 when the opera-loving community used the Livermore High School to produce their shows.  In 2007, the Bankhead Theater opened with La Boheme, and LVO transitioned to the world-class professional opera company that it is today. Magnificent, fully staged operas attract talented singers and stage directors. For its audiences, the Bankhead Theater is an excellent venue for sight and sound, creating the most memorable experiences. All audience members are "up close" and involved in the performance.

 

Combining the talents of professional musicians, stage directors, singers, and designers with the dedication of volunteers for the chorus, stage crew, set builders, and board members brings the whole show together. Two of the many important people at LVO are Erie Mills, and Alex Katsman, the heart and soul of the organization.

 

Erie has been working in the field of opera since 1977. She absolutely loves it and hopes to get others to love it, too. In the past, Erie was very much in demand as a coloratura soprano with a stellar career. Now she loves hearing others sing. She admitted that the opera experience in Livermore chose her, and she has been working as the Artistic Director since 2016. 

 

Alex conducted his first show for LVO, "The Merry Widow", in 1997.  He became LVO’s Resident Music Director and Conductor in 2007, starting with "La Boheme" and has conducted numerous productions for the company. Alex has also conducted an impressive number of operas, operettas, and musicals at various musical organizations. He is looking forward to LVO's next production of "The Magic Flute" which has some of his favorite music.  

 

Together, Erie and Alex create a magical experience for the audience every show. “There are many moving parts that contribute to making stellar performances that are becoming recognized and respected throughout the Bay Area,” Erie explained. Opera takes a bit of homework, and Erie believes it’s the one art form that encompasses all the other performing arts elements: music, singing, drama, scenery, lighting, costumes, hair, and makeup. “All this for one ticket!”

 

For your entertainment, the Livermore Valley Opera performs two mainstage operas at the Bankhead Theater, one in the fall and one in the spring. “We also have an extensive Educational and Community Engagement program,” Erie shared, and added that each summer LVO presents two “Opera in the Vineyard” events at Garré Vineyard & Winery.

 

Mark your calendar now for The Magic Flute performance! It’s a wonderful opportunity to see one of the great art forms for a reasonable price and it’s practically right in your backyard.

 

 

THE MAGIC FLUTE by WA Mozart

March 2, 3, 9,10 at the Bankhead Theater

2400 First Street, Livermore

Phone: 925-373-6800