La Traviata on New Year's Eve at Sydney Opera House tickets | Opera Australia

This event has finished. See what's on.

Venue

Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point, Sydney

Language

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

Running time

Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one interval for the 9pm fireworks.

Please note

This production contains adult content including sexual themes and implied violence.

Other info

While the foyer offers a good view of the fireworks, space outside on the balcony will be limited.

If you don’t have tickets to the Midnight Party, there are a limited number of outdoor viewing areas you’ll be able to access following the performance. Please note that these spaces are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Some fireworks can be viewed from the Southern Foyers inside Sydney Opera House at midnight, but you may not have a view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Are you looking for other performances of La Traviata at Sydney Opera House?

There’s nowhere in the world like Sydney on New Year’s Eve, and there’s nowhere closer to the action than Sydney Opera House.

Dress up to the nines, kick up your heels and leave the crowds behind as you stroll towards the iconic sails.

Violetta is a coveted courtesan, the toast of Paris, desired by many. When she meets the ardent Alfredo, her life changes forever and she longs to break free of her past. But can she? Who is this woman beyond the sparkling salon? This fresh production of an opera classic invites new questions.

From the vivacious chorus of the famous ‘Brindisi’ to Violetta’s soaring ‘Sempre libera’ and the breathless notes at the opera’s tragic end, Verdi’s music for La Traviata is a thrilling, emotional experience.

This new production has been called “an absolute triumph” (The AU Review). Director Sarah Giles brings Violetta’s inner world centre stage in a glittering production that shows the heartache behind the glamour is but a heartbeat away.

So go on, make this your most glamorous New Year ever.

New Year's Eve Pre-performance dinner

SOLD OUT

Look out over Sydney Harbour as you dine on a three-course menu, matched with premium wines and beverages in the Northern Foyer from 5:30pm.

Price does not include performance ticket.

New Year's Eve at the Sydney Opera House Midnight Party

SOLD OUT

Canapés, drinks and live entertainment, in the Northern Foyer with views of the spectacular midnight fireworks on Sydney Harbour.

Price does not include performance ticket, please note that while the foyer offers a good view of the fireworks, space outside on the balcony will be limited.

SOLD OUT

Pre-performance dinner in the Northern Foyer, Platinum seats to the show, a program, and a glass of champagne at interval, and the Midnight Party.

Price includes performance ticket, excludes $9.80 transaction fee.

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Clinton Bradbury

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Jade Ferguson, Visual Poets Society

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Clinton Bradbury

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Jade Ferguson, Visual Poets Society

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Clinton Bradbury

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Clinton Bradbury

La Traviata, first produced by Opera Queensland, State Opera of South Australia and West Australian Opera (2022)

Photographer: Clinton Bradbury

Everything you need to know about the world's most-performed opera.

What happens in the story? Who was the composer? What should I expect from the music? Here’s everything you need to know…

Read the cheat sheet

See how Charles Davis’ beautiful designs made their way from design sketch and render to the stage.

Find out more

Director Sarah Giles’ production discovers a sometimes-neglected side to one of opera’s greatest roles.

Find out more

How Verdi used some of operas most recognisable conventions to create a new kind of masterpiece in La Traviata.

Find out more

Conductor

Jessica Cottis

Director

Sarah Giles

Set and Costume Designer

Charles Davis

Lighting Designer

Paul Jackson

Revival Choreographer

Allie Graham

Intimacy Coordinator

Michelle Miall

Violetta Valéry

Samantha Clarke

Alfredo Germont

Kang Wang

Giorgio Germont

Phillip Rhodes

Flora Bervoix

Angela Hogan

Gastone

Virgilio Marino

Baron Douphol

Richard Anderson

Marquis D’obigny

Andrew Moran

Doctor Grenvil

Shane Lowrencev

Annina

Petah Cavallaro

Giuseppe

Jin Tea Kim

Messenger

Jonathan McCauley

Servant

Malcolm Ede

Opera Australia Dancers
Opera Australia Orchestra
Opera Australia Chorus

Synopsis

ACT I

Violetta’s Paris salon

Violetta is unwell. After spending time in a sanatorium to treat her tuberculosis, the notorious courtesan marks her return to Paris with a lavish party, entering on the arm of her current lover, Baron Douphol.

Alfredo has wanted to meet Violetta for some time. He is introduced to her by his confidant Gastone. She convinces Alfredo to sing a drinking song. He toasts to love; she toasts to freedom.

As the guests make their way to the ballroom, Alfredo confesses his love for her and Violetta considers if a life with financial security is worth sacrificing for true love (‘Sempre libera’).

ACT II, SCENE 1

Violetta’s home outside Paris

Three months later, Violetta and Alfredo are now living together in the countryside, madly in love – but at what cost? Violetta has been selling her belongings to pay their expenses. When Alfredo finds out, he’s wracked with guilt and leaves for Paris to organise money.

At the same time, Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, visits Violetta to ask her to give up her relationship with Alfredo. He makes it clear that her involvement with Alfredo will be the undoing of the Germont family, threatening the daughter’s engagement.

Violetta agrees to sacrifice her happiness and departs for Paris, leaving a farewell message for Alfredo.

Returning to find Violetta gone, Alfredo is devastated. Despite his father’s attempts to console him, Alfredo leaves to confront the woman who has broken his heart.

ACT II, SCENE 2

Party at Flora’s home

Violetta arrives at an opulent party hosted by fellow courtesan Flora. Once more she is on the arm of the Baron. Alfredo is gambling.

Alfredo begins to insult the Baron, challenging him to a game of cards in which he fails to win a single hand. Violetta begs Alfredo to leave the party before the Baron seeks revenge, but Alfredo won’t leave without Violetta. Knowing the danger he faces, Violetta attempts to save Alfredo by declaring love for the Baron.

Wounded and humiliated, Alfredo retaliates by throwing money at Violetta’s feet – a payment for her services. Germont reproves his son for this behaviour.

ACT III

Violetta’s bedroom

The doctor has given Violetta just a few hours to live.

Violetta reflects on a letter from Germont telling her that the Baron was only wounded in his duel with Alfredo. Germont has revealed Violetta’s sacrifice to Alfredo, who – having fled the country – is returning to seek her forgiveness.

Alfredo hastens to her side, only to find her on the brink of death.

To comfort her, Alfredo talks of plans for a new life together away from Paris. Violetta’s last thoughts are of freedom, hope and love as she dies in Alfredo’s arms.

Read More