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2025

January

Thu
23 Jan 2025

Sat
25 Jan 2025

Fri
31 Jan 2025

February

Sun
02 Feb 2025

Wed
05 Feb 2025

Fri
07 Feb 2025

Sun
09 Feb 2025

Sat
15 Feb 2025

Tue
18 Feb 2025

Fri
21 Feb 2025

Tue
25 Feb 2025

Thu
27 Feb 2025

March

Sat
01 Mar 2025

Fri
07 Mar 2025

Mon
10 Mar 2025

Wed
12 Mar 2025

Sat
15 Mar 2025

Fri
21 Mar 2025

Thu
27 Mar 2025
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.

Please note

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

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“What should I do? Plunge into the vortex of pleasure and drown there?” – Violetta

Following rave reviews and sold-out performances in 2024, our new production of La Traviata returns to the Sydney Opera House for a special encore season.

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 a 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 production has been labelled “triumphant” (Sydney Morning Herald). Director Sarah Giles brings Violetta’s inner world centre stage in a glittering staging that shows the heartache behind the glamour.

Charles Davis’ set highlights Violetta’s private turmoil, even in the midst of spectacular crowd scenes. His stunning gowns reflect the silhouettes of the Victorian era, with all the fun of 20th century couture.

Rising star Samantha Clarke returns to reprise her awe-inspiring performance as Violetta, alongside a cast of local talents.

“A triumphant ‘new’ La Traviata. ★★★★½”

Sydney Morning Herald


La Traviata at Sydney Opera House (2024)

Photographer: Keith Saunders

La Traviata at Lyric Theatre, QPAC (2022)

Photographer: Jade Ferguson, Visual Poets Society

La Traviata at Sydney Opera House (2024)

Photographer: Keith Saunders

La Traviata at Sydney Opera House (2024)

Photographer: Keith Saunders

La Traviata at Sydney Opera House (2024)

Photographer: Keith Saunders

La Traviata at Sydney Opera House (2024)

Photographer: Keith Saunders

Cast & Creative

Conductor
Johannes Fritzsch (23 Jan–15 Feb)
Paul Fitzsimon (18 Feb–27 Mar)
Director
Set & Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Violetta Valéry
Samantha Clarke (23 Jan–27 Feb)
Lorina Gore (1–27 Mar)
Alfredo Germont
Ji-Min Park (23 Jan–10 Mar)
Iain Henderson (12–27 Mar)
Giorgio Germont
José Carbó (23 Jan–27 Feb)
Luke Gabbedy (1–27 Mar)
Flora Bervoix
Gastone
Baron Douphol
Marquis D’obigny
Luke Gabbedy (23 Jan–21 Feb)
Andrew Moran (25 Feb–27 Mar)
Doctor Grenvil
Annina
Giuseppe
Messenger
Servant
Maid

Opera Australia Orchestra
Opera Australia Chorus

Cheat Sheet: La Traviata

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

Page to Stage: La Traviata

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

Find out more

Finding Violetta

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

Find out more

Essay: A timeless drama written in haste

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

Find out more

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’).

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