La traviata by Verdi, Thu 12 Sep 2024, From (2024/2024), Directed by Richard Eyre,, Conductor Alexander Joel, Richard Hetherington, Royal Opera House, London, United Kingdom

A moving story about a woman in love that features one of opera’s most famous melodies (the ‘Brindisi’ chorus), La traviata is perfect for first-timers and a favourite among regular opera-goers. Alexander Joel and Richard Hetherington conduct two casts led by Aida Garifullina and Hrachuhí Bassénz as Violetta, Francesco Demuro and Ismael Jordi as Alfredo and George Petean and Simon Keenlyside as Germont. In director Richard Eyre’s world of seductive grandeur, the tender and devastating beauty at the centre of Verdi’s opera shines bright. A STAR ROLE La traviata (literally: she who has strayed – tra – from the path - via) is inspired by the life and death of the real-life Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis, about whom Alexandre Dumas fils wrote a novel and play: La Dame aux camélias. Verdi offers a complex and sympathetic portrayal of the heroine, highlighting Violetta's noble nature and her devotion to Alfredo. Initially, La traviata had a lukewarm reception after its 1853 Venice premiere, but after Verdi revised the work in 1854, it became enormously successful. It is currently the most performed opera in the world, and the role of Violetta a favourite for many star sopranos. INTOXICATING MUSIC Verdi's sublime score contains some of his most inspired arias and duets, including Violetta's introspective 'Ah fors'è lui' (Could it be him) as she contemplates falling in love, before celebrating her independence in the spectacular ‘Sempre libera' (I must always be free). The 'Brindisi' chorus (also known as the Drinking Song) on the other hand, celebrates love and life through a rousing waltz between the flirtatious Violetta and Alfredo.