“Vissi d’Arte” with Jurate Svedaite

“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music – Part Six:

Concert of Arias by Puccini, Bellini, and Verdi, “Vissi d’Arte” stands as a luminous one-woman tribute to the legendary Maria Callas. Meticulously researched, this theatrical journey blends Callas’ profound reflections with iconic arias she’s renowned for, captivatingly performed by soprano, Jurate Svedaite. Set against the intimate backdrop of Callas’ Paris apartment in September 1977, the narrative unveils as Maria, in conversation with an unseen journalist, delves into her unparalleled triumphs, poignant tragedies, and profound insights on the art of performance.

Radiant Lithuanian soprano, Jurate Svedaite, has performed throughout Europe and the United States with the Lithuanian National Chamber Orchestra, the European Baroque Festival Opera, Connecticut Lyric Opera, Kaunas Chamber Orchestra, Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, the Lithuanian National Ensemble “Lietuva,” and Mystic River Chorale, among others in venues as varied as the Lithuanian Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, and Foxwood’s Resort and Casino.

Quickly establishing herself as a stage performer of remarkable artistry and sensitivity capable of “transfixing audiences with moments of opera magic,” in 2009/2010 Ms. Svedaite will add two contrasting Verismo roles to her repertoire – Nedda in Pagliacci and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi – as well as reprising Adina in l’Elisir d’Amore. Her previous roles include Violetta in La Traviata, Mimi in La Bohème, Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Marguerite in Faust, the title role in Floyd’s Susannah, Micaela in Carmen, Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Adina in l’Elisir d’Amore, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Valencienne in The Merry Widow. An active performer of sacred works and oratorios as well, her credits include Monteverde’s and Vivaldi’s Magnificats; Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Coffee and Peasant Cantatas as well as numerous sacred cantatas; Mozart’s Requiem, Exsultate Jubilate and Missa Brevis; Pergolessi’s Stabat Mater; and Faure’s Requiem.

The granddaughter of one of Lithuania’s most revered composers and arrangers of traditional music, Jonas Svedas, she began performing at an early age and made her recording debut at the tender age of twelve; also at that time, she hosted several programs for children on national television. Ms. Svedaite later attended the Lithuanian Music Academy, where she earned Bachelors and Masters and Degrees in Opera and Vocal Instruction.