There’s a reason Verdi’s “La traviata” is the most-performed opera in the world. The music is gorgeous and instantly recognizable, the plot and characters are interesting and the story is told economically in a little over 2-1/2 hours.
As a result, if you cast the three principal characters well, you’re more than halfway home. And that’s the case for San Diego Opera’s season-closing production of the 1853 classic that opened Friday with a sold-out performance at the San Diego Civic Theatre. The three-day run closes Sunday.
On Friday, soprano Andriana Chuchman gave a ravishing vocal performance as Violetta, the dying Paris courtesan who sacrifices everything for the man she loves. The coloratura work in her first-act aria “Sempre Libera” was fearless and exuberant, and her finale, “Addio, del passato,” was delicate and haunting.
Playing her impulsive lover Alfredo in his company debut, tenor Boris Borichevsky gave a warm and appealing vocal performance that was most pleasing in the middle range of his voice, shining best in the third-act aria “Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo.” And bass-baritone Hunter Enoch was outstanding as Alfredo’s disapproving father, Germont. Enoch has a huge and perfectly pitched voice that easily filled the 3,000-seat Civic Theatre and his performance of the beautiful second-act aria “Di Provenza il mar” was a show highlight.
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Hunter Enoch as Germont in San Diego Opera’s “La traviata.” (J. Katarzyna Woronowicz)
“La traviata” is an opera where the San Diego Opera Chorus, directed by chorus master Bruce Stasyna, plays an active part, both vocally and dramatically, and they did it here with aplomb on Friday. And San Diego Opera Principal Conductor Yves Abel’s subtle and nuanced leadership of the San Diego Symphony musicians Friday was exceptional, particularly in the two party scenes and finale.
Because “La traviata” has been staged so many times by San Diego Opera, there’s usually not much new in its theatrical staging. But director/choreographer Kyle Lang has brought some new ideas to the production.
First, during the melancholy overture, he creates a cinematic-style graveyard scene where performers moved backward, rewinding the action so the rest of the story becomes a flashback memory tale. There’s also a bold ballet for six dancers where a courtesan-style ballerina is symbolically manhandled and flipped around on her back by a group of tuxedoed male dancers. And when the chorus turns on Alfredo in the second act ball scene, he’s literally beaten and bloodied.
The physical production features lavish rented costumes from Washington National Opera and projections and minimal scenic elements by Tim Wallace.
San Diego Opera has downsized in recent years, with less money spent on large scenic designs. Those gigantic set pieces from yesteryear were visually stunning (and sometimes generated their own applause when revealed), but they took 15-20 minutes to change between scenes. For this production, the audience could watch through a semi-transparent scrim curtain as three stage crew workers moved and rearranged the stage platforms and stairs n just a few minutes. This kept the mood and the show moving along at a good pace.
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‘La traviata’
When: 7:30 p.m. April 26; 2 p.m. April 27
Where: San Diego Opera at the San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown
Shares of Gossamer Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:GOSS) have received a consensus ‘Hold’ rating from the 10 research firms currently covering the company, according to a report from MarketBeat. The average 12-month price target among analysts is $5.43.
Why it matters
Gossamer Bio is a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing therapies for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases, as well as oncology. The ‘Hold’ rating and mixed analyst views could impact investor sentiment and the company’s ability to raise capital for further drug development.
The details
The analyst ratings for Gossamer Bio include two ‘Sell’ recommendations, four ‘Hold’ ratings, and four ‘Buy’ recommendations. Some firms have lowered their price targets on the stock, with HC Wainwright decreasing its target from $10 to $5.
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Gossamer Bio released its latest quarterly earnings report on March 17, 2026.
The players
Gossamer Bio, Inc.
A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, California that is focused on developing oral, once-daily therapies for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases, as well as oncology.
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The takeaway
The mixed analyst views on Gossamer Bio highlight the challenges facing the company as it seeks to advance its pipeline of drug candidates through clinical trials and regulatory approvals. The ‘Hold’ rating could make it more difficult for the company to raise capital and fund its operations.
Oceanside Harbor Beach. (File photo courtesy of @CityofOceanside via X)
A man apparent drowned in the waters near the Oceanside Pier Saturday morning, despite efforts by lifeguards and paramedics to revive him.
The Oceanside Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division and the Oceanside Police Department responded to a report of a missing man at about 4:30 a.m.. Officials said the man was last seen swimming in the ocean about a half-hour earlier.
Lifeguards and police immediately initiated a coordinated search effort using pier vantage points, surveillance cameras and watercraft, but the search was suspended at approximately 5:30 a.m. after no one was found, fire officials said.
“At approximately 10:50 a.m., lifeguards discovered an unresponsive adult male, matching the earlier description, in the water near Lifeguard Tower 12, at Oceanside Harbor Beach,” Division Chief Blake Dorse said in a statement. “The individual was removed from the water, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately initiated.”
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Fire and rescue personnel continued efforts to resuscitate the man on the way to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He is believed to be the one who was reported missing near the pier.
Authorities did not release the man’s name.
“The Oceanside Lifeguard Division reminds the public to exercise caution when entering the ocean, especially during early morning hours or when lifeguards are not actively monitoring the water,” Dorse said. “Always swim near an open lifeguard tower and avoid entering the water alone.”
A decade of unforgettable meals calls for a proper celebration. This April, Herb & Wood marks its 10-year anniversary, honoring ten years of shaping San Diego’s culinary identity from its stylish home in Little Italy.
Since opening in 2016, the restaurant has played a defining role in modern San Diego dining, ushering in a more ingredient-driven, chef-forward era while setting the standard for design, hospitality, and overall experience.
A Month of Throwback Favorites and Celebratory Surprises
To commemorate the milestone, Herb & Wood is celebrating all month long by bringing back a selection of OG favorites alongside the signature dishes that have remained staples over the years.
Order from the anniversary lineup and receive a scratcher ticket for a chance to win prizes like a whole Jamón Ibérico ham leg, a custom Johnny Lane painting, and a coveted “lifetime” branzino card. It’s a fun and fitting way to toast one of San Diego’s most influential restaurants.
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A Collaborative Anniversary Dinner
The celebration concludes with a special four-course anniversary dinner featuring standout chefs from the Puffer Malarkey Collective. Brian Malarkey, Aidan Owens, Tara Monsod, and Kylie Cablayan will come together for an unforgettable evening that highlights their creativity and culinary artistry.
The celebratory menu includes:
Course One
Parker House Rolls with honey herb butter
Oyster & Beef Tartare with smoked oyster mayo, caramelized onion, and beef fat snow
Course Two
Lechon Kawali with grilled strawberries, pickled mustard seeds, pickled Tokyo negi, mustard frill, and strawberry sarsa
Course Three
Woodfired Tenderloin & Charred Prawns with garlic and chili, fennel oil, celery root, and whipped tallow butter
Course Four
Funfetti Cake with blueberry jam, lemon curd, and Swiss meringue buttercream
This one-night-only collaboration is a delicious tribute to Herb & Wood’s legacy and a memorable way to toast ten remarkable years in Little Italy.
A Defining Force in San Diego Dining
Over the past decade, Herb & Wood has become a cornerstone of Little Italy’s vibrant dining scene. Known for its warm ambiance and thoughtfully crafted menu, it continues to set the tone for modern dining in San Diego.
Whether revisiting longtime favorites or discovering something new, this anniversary celebration is the perfect excuse to gather around the table and raise a glass to ten remarkable years.
See you there!
We’ll be celebrating in Little Italy with throwback bites, celebratory pours, and plenty of toasts to ten iconic years at Herb & Wood.
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📆 April 3 – 29, 2026 | Culmination celebration April 30 📍 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego 🎟️ Book your table here ℹ️ Click here for updates
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