Choose a Location:

Cast, dates, times and prices will vary depending upon location selected

Location: Sydney

Choose a date to see seats and prices

See All Events

2024

January

Tue
02 Jan 2024

Thu
04 Jan 2024

Sat
06 Jan 2024

Wed
10 Jan 2024

Sat
13 Jan 2024

Wed
17 Jan 2024

Sat
20 Jan 2024

Sat
27 Jan 2024

Tue
30 Jan 2024

February

Sat
03 Feb 2024

Sat
10 Feb 2024

Thu
22 Feb 2024

Sat
24 Feb 2024

Wed
28 Feb 2024

March

Sat
02 Mar 2024

Thu
07 Mar 2024

Sat
09 Mar 2024

Thu
14 Mar 2024
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.

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

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.

Charles Davis’ set design 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.

This La Traviata brings home Australians currently dazzling on the international stage. Conductor Jessica Cottis makes her Opera Australia debut with an exciting cast. Soprano Samantha Clarke returns to sing the title role, tenor Kang Wang is back to thrill Australian audiences as Alfredo and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes makes his Opera Australia debut as Giorgio Germont.

Cast & Creative

Conductor
Jessica Cottis (2 Jan–3 Feb)
Paul Fitzsimon (10 Feb–14 Mar)
Director
Set and Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Violetta Valéry
Samantha Clarke (2 Jan–10 Feb)
Sophie Salvesani (22 Feb–14 Mar)
Alfredo Germont
Kang Wang (2 Jan–10 Feb)
Tomas Dalton (22 Feb–14 Mar)
Giorgio Germont
Phillip Rhodes (2 Jan–10 Feb)
Luke Gabbedy (22 Feb–14 Mar)
Flora Bervoix
Gastone
Baron Douphol
Marquis d’Obigny
Doctor Grenvil
Annina
Giuseppe
Messenger
Servant

Opera Australia Orchestra
Opera Australia Chorus

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

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

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

Photographer: Clinton Bradbury

Synopsis

Act I

Violetta has been to a sanatorium to treat her tuberculosis. On her return to health she throws a party to mark her re-emergence in the demi-monde under the protection of Baron Duphol. Her guests have just completed a long lunch and the Baron is reading the last pages of a novel by Dumas to Violetta as Flora enters with her protector the Marquis.

Alfredo is introduced to Violetta by the decadent Gaston. Alfredo has begged Gaston to introduce him to Violetta. He has long been enthralled by her and has enquired after Violetta every day of her illness.

Violetta insists that everyone sits together and drinks a toast to the occasion. Alfredo is prevailed upon to sing a drinking song from Provence.

As the guests leave to dance in the ballroom, Violetta feels faint and is momentarily left alone. Alfredo re-enters and confesses his love for her. She asks him to return the following day.

After her guests leave and she is alone, Violetta begins to consider the conflicting feelings of love and hedonism that are pulling her in opposite directions.

Read More