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Pacific Opera Victoria opens season with Mozart’s gripping tale of betrayal and mercy

Experience the political intrigue and emotional depth of La clemenza di Tito, on stage this October
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Don’t miss La clemenza di Tito at the Royal Theatre this October!Photos courtesy of Pacific Opera Victoria.

Loyalty, betrayal and mercy are at the heart of Pacific Opera Victoria's season opener, La clemenza di Tito.

Taking the Royal Theatre stage Oct. 16, Mozart's gripping, politically charged tale exploring the complexities of leadership promises to captivate audiences, making it a bold start to this year’s performances.

Performed on Oct. 16, 18, and 22 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m., La clemenza di Tito is sung in Italian with English surtitles. The opera follows the story of Emperor Tito, known for his benevolence and clemency, but whose reign takes a dramatic turn when faced with betrayal by those closest to him, forcing him to navigate the delicate balance between mercy and justice.

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Pacific Opera Victoria's new Artistic Director, Brenna Corner. Photos courtesy of Pacific Opera Victoria.

“We’re currently living in such a divisive time as a society. It is such a powerful thing to be able to bring a story to the stage that allows us to explore themes like mercy, and forgiveness through the power of music,” says Pacific Opera Victoria's new Artistic Director, Brenna Corner.   “La clemenza di Tito presents us with the opportunity as individuals and as a society to question how we live in the world, how we exist with others and how we move forward as a community.”

The production runs approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and features a pre-performance talk one hour before the curtain rises. Directed by award-winning Canadian stage director Jenneifer Tarver - in her company debut - the cast features acclaimed Canadian artists, including Andrew Haji as Emperor Tito Vespasian and Tracy Cantin as Vitellia.

“La clemenza di Tito brings together extraordinary vocal prowess and musical drama to illuminate a human story on both the micro and macro levels,” Corner says. “On one side, it’s a tale of political intrigue, plots, and manipulation — while on the other it is a tale of friendship and love. In both cases, it challenges us to think about forgiveness and the cost of clemency on a human level.”

Don’t miss La clemenza di Tito at the Royal Theatre this October!

Performance dates:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16: 7:30 p.m. 
  • Friday, Oct. 18: 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 20: 2:30 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22: 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets are available for purchase online. Enjoy all the benefits of a season subscription to Pacific Opera Victoria.

Subscribe to the 2024/25 Season online today! 

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Preliminary draft of costume sketches by Set & Costume Designer, Camellia Koo. Photos courtesy of Pacific Opera Victoria.

Upcoming 2024/25 season:

Buy your tickets today and don’t miss the chance to experience this captivating performance. Visit pacificopera.ca for more details and follow Pacific Opera Victoria on Facebook and Instagram for updates and the occasional glimpse behind the curtain.