By Raffaele Cardone, general & artistic director Miami Lyric Opera

The recent performances of Puccini’s La Boheme (July 15 and 17^th) received very positive reviews by English and Spanish media. I have been lucky enough to receive many calls and emails with compliments and enthusiastic words of encouragement. Some commented that it was one of Miami’s best and most genuine performances of La Boheme in years. Thanks to the media and the public who attended the performances, to the artists who contributed to the success and, principally, thanks to Puccini for creating such a magnificent opera. Now we are committed to do even better with the most-loved opera of Giuseppe Verdi, La Taviata. We are working with passion and dedication to deliver the best of our artistry and resources. Our goal is to reach all the emotions and musical expressions on the passionate drama.

MLO is engaged in presenting opera production with great respect to the composer, libretto and tradition in a cozy venue where the public can appreciate the work. Susana Diaz, a wonderful soprano from Miami, has been working with Miami Lyric Opera for almost two years, including a performance of Violetta at Open Space last year. She has evolved into a passionate, versatile and dramatic Violetta that will be loved by everyone attending La Taviata at Colony Theater. Susana will partner with tenor David Pereira in the role of Alfredo. David is a promising raising star who recently performed Ernesto. Germont is characterized by the magnificent Cuban Baritone Nelson Martinez, who assumed the role of Escamillo in our performance of Carmen last season. Other young and fine singers complement the cast carefully selected to deliver a human and exciting performance of Verdi’s La Traviata. I encourage the arts community and public at large to attend our production of La Traviata October 7 and 9^th at Colony Theater, 8pm.Tickets available at Colony Theater, Ticketmaster or online www.miamilyricopera.org