If a symphonic orchestra might have a heartache, it is the fact that the queen of all genres, the opera is dealt with in its concerts only now and then. Verdi could not be omitted from this series of portraits of composers organized for the sixth year now in a row: he was one of the greatest not only in opera, but the whole history of music. It is his music and personality that we strive to unravel with the professional and knowledgeable assistance, and finally, we can submerge into the magical world of opera.

Verdi loved women – this is clearly reflected by the way he treated heroines. Even if he blessed them with misery, disappointment and vulnerability, the ultimate divine truth was theirs. This antonym leads to the sensation of purging that passes through one when listening to Violetta’s, Leonora’s or Gilda’s tragedy. Verdi loved women – but he also knew them, that’s why his figures are never papier-machés. They are flesh and blood humans with faults, bad decisions, or crimes, however, Verdi always gently slides the olive branch of forgiveness to the audience’s hands, while mourning for their death struggle.