The Georgia Straight proudly sponsors Vancouver Opera’s Don Giovanni

Vancouver Opera presents Mozart’s masterpiece opera Don Giovanni at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from March 1 to 9. Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 1, 6, 7, and 8, and a matinée performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 9.

Don Giovanni tells the story of a dangerously attractive aristocrat who defies society and God in his reckless pursuit of gratification. The opera, which premiered in 1787, blends comedy, melodrama, and supernatural elements.

This production of Don Giovanni brings together the talents of video designer and visual innovator Bob Bonniol and baritones Daniel Okulitch and Brett Polegato in the leading role.

Bonniol creates a vibrant feast for the eyes and ears as the 18^th-century Spanish landscape of Don Giovanni is transposed to a three-dimensional world where the floor, walls, and  entire set is used as a projection surface.

Bass-baritone Okulitch returns to Vancouver Opera from the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize- winning composer Charles Wuorinen’s Brokeback Mountain. Okulitch will sing on March 1, 6, and 8. Alternating with Okulitch is baritone Polegato, who last performed with Vancouver Opera in 2008’s Eugene Onegin. Polegato will take the stage March 7 and 9.

Other singers featured in Don Giovanni are sopranos Erin Wall and Katherine Whyte, who share the role of Donna Anna; mezzo-soprano Krisztina Szabó and soprano Leslie Ann Bradley, who share the role of Donna Elvira; tenor Colin Ainsworth as Don Ottavio; bass-baritones Stephen Hegedus and Giles Tomkins, soprano Rachel Fenlon, and baritone Aaron Durand.

The Vancouver Opera Orchestra will be conducted by Steuart Bedford and Vancouver Opera Chorus by Leslie Dala.

Tickets to Don Giovanni are available online and by phone at 604-683-0222