Berkshire Festival Opera to Produce La Traviata
Exciting Programs in Berkshires' Backyard
By: Susan Hall - Jun 26, 2025
The Berkshire Opera Festival has restored world-class, fully-staged opera to the Berkshires. Their tenth anniversary season in Great Barrington features Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece La Traviata at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on August 23, 26, and 29.
The Mahaiwe and BOF formalized a multi-year partnership last year, committing to bring top-tier performing artists to the Berkshires. Director Jonathon Loy and conductor Brian Garman will turn the Mahaiwe into the gritty underbelly of 19th century Paris with this Traviata.
BOF is also excited to produce a special 10th Anniversary Concert at the Mahaiwe on August 14, featuring music from beloved operas and performances by top talent from previous and upcoming seasons along with members of the cast of La Traviata.
A combination of exceptional singers, a great orchestra, and arresting productions make the Berkshire Opera Festival a must-see destination in the Berkrshires’ backyard.
Brian Garman says: "For the centerpiece of our celebratory 10th Anniversary Season, I'm thrilled to present Verdi's masterpiece of love and sacrifice, La Traviata. I know our audiences will be delighted by the beautiful and passionate singing of our internationally-renowned cast. And the celebration starts even earlier in August with a gala concert to mark our 10th Anniversary. It features many operatic favorites from Handel, Mozart, Puccini, and everything in between. This is a season not to be missed!"
President and CEO Natalie Johnsonius Neubert says: "This summer, BOF marks our 10th anniversary of bringing world-class opera to the Berkshires — through performances that are both artistically excellent and accessible to our entire community. This milestone season is a testament to the unwavering support of our audiences, artists, and partners, for which we are truly grateful. Through our productions, talks, and meet-the-artist events, BOF’s commitment to making opera engaging and inclusive remains stronger than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong opera lover or experiencing it for the first time, we invite you to join us for this very special season."
Janis Martinson, Executive Director of Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, says: "We are pleased to present both Berkshire Opera Festival's La Traviata and their 10th Anniversary Concert in the Mahaiwe's historic theater. Mahaiwe audiences have come to count on the artistic excellence of everything that BOF does and will no doubt be thrilled to have two opportunities to hear the fabulous vocalists and musicians under Maestro Brian Garman's baton. These artists grace some of the most famous stages of the world, and we are honored that they appear on ours."
Looking ahead, BOF is thrilled to announce that Donizetti's bel canto masterpiece Lucia di Lammermoor will be the summer 2026 mainstage production. Performances will take place August 22, 25, and 28 at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Tickers here.