Symphony, travel agency offer Calgary opera trip

Glacier Symphony and Chorale has teamed up with Flathead Travel Service to offer a weekend getaway tour to see a live performance of “La Traviata” by the Calgary Opera April 20 and 21.

The tour includes bus transfer from Whitefish to Calgary, transfers to and from the performance, opera tickets on April 20, one night’s lodging at the Marriott Hotel and return transfer to Whitefish April 21.

Calgary Opera is celebrating the 200th year of Verdi, who is considered one of the fathers of opera. “La Traviata” is the story of a fallen woman, Violetta, who decides to leave her life of glamour and frivolity behind for the love of a single man, Alfredo. Feeling that his son is throwing his life away, Germont comes to convince Violetta she must give up Alfredo, and she is forced to make a decision through pure unselfish love.

This isn’t the first time the symphony and travel agency have offered Flathead residents the chance to take in an opera.

Last year’s Calgary Opera trip to see “La Boheme” was a huge success according to trip organizer and long time Glacier Chorale singer Sally Murdock. The participants were educated with a pre-trip talk about the opera’s storyline by Jim Stanard, Glacier Chorale’s conductor.

The participants raved all the way home about the caliber of the singers, the sets and the superb staging of the show by Calgary Opera.

“All in all it left us craving for more opera,” Murdock said.

Cost for double occupancy is $300 per person. Single occupancy is $375. A small portion of the fee will be donated to Glacier Symphony and Chorale.

Registration for the trip must be made by Jan. 31 with Flathead Travel’s group travel coordinators Brenda Goodby or Barb Johnson. Register by email at info@flatheadtravel.com, or call 752-8700.