Victoria Express

When you combine the musical virtuosity of Strauss and satirical social commentary a la Moliere, you are in for a treat: Capriccio. The Pacific Opera in Victoria is staging this delightful romp of an opera February 25 and 27, March 2, 4, and 6, 2010.

Capriccio is said to be "a wry and entertaining examination of the eternal struggle between man and woman...words and music...art and life". Profound, to be sure. Yet it is also "wickedly funny".

The Countess Madeleine simply cannot choose which of her two lovers will win her affections - a poet or a musician. She decides to have them collaborate on an opera and let the artistic process call forth her true love. Apparently art really can solve all problems, even the classic love triangle.

The richness of the plot is aided by wonderfully flawed characters: the poet convinced his verse is ruined by music, the tipsy Italian soprano, the Count for whom art is the means to an actress' bed, and a prompter who falls asleep on the job.

Strauss nimbly combines a variety of operatic styles and throws in a few jokes for those who know their music history. If this is you, you will definitely want to visit Victoria BC during Capriccio's run.

The Pacific Opera presents Strauss Capriccio in German with English surtitles. The shows begin at 8pm (with the exception of the 2.27 matinee at 3pm). Grab an early dinner in Victoria's nearby Chinatown before the show, and engage in profound philosophical discussions about the meaning of art, love and life over drinks afterwards.

Victoria Express is as adept at fulfilling your Victoria travel needs as the Countess is at staging an opera; even more so. Call 360.452.8088 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Learn about 2010 Canada - U.S. travel requirements at our Identification page.