March 26 – April 2. National Hispanic Cultural Center. Journal Theater. Albuquerque

Even if you think you’re “just not into opera” Pagliacci will change your mind. Set in the deep south of Italy, this is a tale of passion, jealousy and deceit among a troupe of traveling performers - a play within a play that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Pagliacci is a production of Opera Southwest, the world-class opera company right here in our own back yard. You can count on dazzling stage production and a visual feast of costumes with familiar arias and musical highlights that will have you saying, “Oh yeah! I know that one!” Throw in the English translation supertitles above the stage, so you’ll never miss a word, and there you have it – a recipe for transformation from opera skeptic to opera fan.

And that’s not all. This performance of Pagliacci will be extra special with acclaimed guest conductor Zoe Zeniodi wielding the baton. Zoe is one of only a handful of female orchestra conductors in the world, and she’s the first woman to ever conduct for Opera Southwest.

Tickets start at only $15 – and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Pagliacci will be sold out, so get your tickets now at 505-243-0591 or online http://www.operasouthwest.org/operas/pagliacci. To enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Pagliacci, come early for the free pre-opera seminar with Zoe Zeniodi, offered an hour before each performance.

And to seriously intensify your Pagliacci experience, attend the OSW Guild’s pre-opera round-table on Saturday, March 18 with Maestra Zeniodi! Only $15 for non-Guild members. Includes a morning snack. Never disappoints. To register: http://www.operasouthwest.org/guild/pre-opera-seminars