It’s the 100th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi’s death and in celebration of his life, the Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is featuring “La Traviata” as part of their “2001 Summer Festival.”

“La Traviata,” which means “The Fallen Woman” is among Verdi’s most famous works.

“The choice of `La Traviata’ was deliberately made to acknowledge this special anniversary in the life of the composer. “Verdi’s contribution to opera is without question one of the most important in history,” says Jeri Mace, DMMO executive director.

“La Traviata” is centered around the ill-fated romance between lovers Violetta and Alfredo.

But the obstacles of family and society prove to be stronger than their love and tragedy follows.

Violetta and Alfredo are played by DMMO members Evelyn de la Rosa and Gregory Schmidt.

De la Rosa joined the company in 1998 with the part of Rosina in “The Barber of Seville” and reclaimed the role in a second production of the opera in 1999.

Schmidt was also part of the 1999 production, playing the role of the Count.

But these are just two of the many roles involved in the performance.

“La Traviata” involves almost all of the 175 singers, musicians, technicians, coaches and directors the DMMO has enlisted as a part of the 2001 season.

A new Digitex system, used to provide English captions for original language productions, will be used for “La Traviata,” according to the DMMO.

The use of the system is intended to allow the audience to understand the text with supertitles, while hearing the opera in its intended form.

“The type is in amber and when not in use, disappears from consciousness,” Mace says. “It is a very effective system.”

The DMMO also offers opera previews 45 minutes before each show.

“The opera previews are free and are open to anyone who is attending the production,” says Kristin Varme, marketing and public relations director for the DMMO.

“Since the artists are preparing for the production, they are not involved in the preview. The musical coaches and directors conduct the previews and provide insight into the storyline and an overview of the production.”

“La Traviata” will be playing June 22, 24, 29, July 5, 7, 11, and 15. Tickets are currently on sale and range from $26 to $59.

“Tickets are hot this year, but there is still time to get a seat,” Varme says.