Every day on Art&Seek, we’re talking to people who have tips on art in the time of social distancing.  Share yours with us on Facebook, Instagram or @artandseek on Twitter. Click above to hear Ian Derrer, general director with The Dallas Opera share his tip with KERA’s Nilufer Arsala. 

There is no dressing up this year to see a live Dallas Opera production. The company was forced to postpone its entire 2020/2021 season until the spring of 2021 — but that does not mean you can’t still catch a great performance from The Dallas Opera.

Ian Derrer, general director of The Dallas Opera said right now anyone can hear a free audio performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece, La Traviata. It is streaming for free now through August 25 on The Dallas Opera’s website.

Sondra Radvanovsky as Violetta in “La Traviata (2004). Photo by Pavel Antonov

It’s the classic story of “a fallen woman” with a heart of gold who finds true love.

Ah, shades of “Pretty Woman” — minus the happy ending. But with more singing.

This archival production stars Sondra Radvanovsky, recognized as one of the premiere Verdi sopranos today, tenor and Fort Worth native Marcus Haddock, and baritone James Westman. The production was recorded live at the Music Hall in 2004.

“La Traviata is filled with wonderful tunes you’re sure to recognize — and characters you will never forget. That’s how it earned a permanent spot in Opera’s ‘Top Ten,’” said Derrer.

There are two additional TDO Encore Performances to look forward to in the coming months. Streaming in August will be Elektra by Richard Strauss and in September Beethoven’s Fidelio.

Formal attire will be optional. But it can provide a break from wearing sweat pants.

Got a tip? Email Gila Espinoza at gespinoza@kera.org. You can follow her on Twitter @espinoza_kera.

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