

Verdi
La Traviata
Sydney Opera House2 January–14 March 2024
Verdi
La Traviata
Sydney Opera House2 January–14 March 2024
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Location: Sydney
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See All Events2024
January
02 Jan 2024
04 Jan 2024
06 Jan 2024
10 Jan 2024
13 Jan 2024
17 Jan 2024
20 Jan 2024
27 Jan 2024
30 Jan 2024
February
03 Feb 2024
10 Feb 2024
22 Feb 2024
24 Feb 2024
28 Feb 2024
March
02 Mar 2024
07 Mar 2024
09 Mar 2024
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.
Production Partner
Opera Australia presents La Traviata: A co-production by Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera
“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
Director
Set and Costume Designer
Lighting Designer
Violetta Valéry
Alfredo Germont
Giorgio Germont
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.
Act II
Scene i
Violetta and Alfredo have been living together for three months in a house in the country. When Alfredo discovers that Violetta is selling her belongings to pay for their expenses, he is conscience-stricken and leaves to visit his father, to raise some money. His father however has decided to call on Violetta to persuade her to give up Alfredo. Alfredo’s sister hopes to be married soon, and his relationship with Violetta jeopardises the family’s honour. Violetta realises that as a ‘fallen woman’ she would destroy Alfredo’s family and consents to leave him. She decides to leave instantly and writes a message to Alfredo, breaking off their affair. When Alfredo receives the message he is distraught and, despite his father’s attempts to console him, rushes off to wreak revenge on Violetta.
Scene ii
A party is being held in Flora’s house. Alfredo enters to join the gambling party. When Violetta enters on the arm of the Baron she freezes with tension. Alfredo begins to insult the Baron and the two rivals meet over cards, and Alfredo, unlucky in love, cannot lose a hand. The game is interrupted by dinner.
Violetta begs Alfredo to leave before Duphol seeks revenge. Alfredo insists she comes with him and, in desperation, she says she loves the Baron. Alfredo publicly humiliates Violetta and throws money at her as payment for her services. Alfredo’s father reproves him for such behaviour.
Act III
It is early morning and Violetta is sleeping. The doctor has given her only a few hours to live. Violetta rereads a letter from Alfredo’s father, telling her that the Baron was wounded in the duel with Alfredo and that Alfredo may have left the country.
But Alfredo has been told by his father of Violetta’s sacrifice and he returns — only to be confronted by the dying Violetta. He humours her by telling her that they should plan a new life away from Paris. Alfredo’s father has followed him and enters, followed by the doctor. Violetta suddenly feels revived, ready to start a new life with Alfredo — but this is only the symptoms of the last moments of her disease and she falls dead.
Production Partner
Opera Australia presents La Traviata: A co-production by Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera