On Sunday, the Connecticut Lyric Opera, in collaboration with the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Choir and the Greater New Britain Opera Association, presented Mozart’s famous opera in front of an audience of several hundred at the Trinity-On-Main Performing Arts Center.

 

The show was the first of three to be held by the New London-based CLO as a part of the year-long series in honor of the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth, said John Waller, member of the CLO and producer of Sunday’s performance.

"One of the main reasons we selected this work is because it is considered by many to be the perfect opera," Waller said.

The play itself features a distinct, extraordinary score combined perfectly with elements of comedy, tragedy and drama to produce a tremendous work of art, said Waller. In addition, the play also captures the essence of good versus evil.

For director and conductor Adrian Mackiewicz, the opera is not only one of Mozart’s finest works, but is also one that helped to change the face and course of opera music for years to come.

"Mozart was a genius of the opera," Mackiewicz said. "He revolutionized opera writing and had a way of writing music that really brought the scenery to life. He was a master of his time."

The yearlong observance will continue in September, when the three organizations collaborate to perform "The Magic Flute" in New London and again in November when they return to Trinity-on-Main for the production of "The Marriage of Figaro".

Jason Vallee can be reached at jvallee@newbritainherald .com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext. 236.