La traviata

Violetta Valéry, a famed courtesan, and young Alfredo Germont meet at a lavish party. Alfredo falls in love with Violetta and for this one night, Violetta dares the impossible: living a life beyond social class borders and masquerade. But reality takes its toll. Concerned about the reputation and the honour of his family, Alfredo’s father urges Violetta to end her relationship with Alfredo. Out of love, Violetta decides to leave Alfredo and their country home behind. Without any explanation for her behaviour, Alfredo believes that Violetta has left him behind because of money and that she is now more interested in Baron Duphol. Alfredo being heartbroken and deeply hurt, he bluffs Violetta publicly and when he uncovers the truth, it is already too late. Violetta’s illness phthisis takes over her and leaves her less and less time. When Alfredo finally returns, the lover’s oath dies away in the shadow of death.

Traviata premiered on the 6th of March 1853 in Venice and was the first opera to deal with contemporary topics. Inspired by Dumas‘ Kameliendame, Verdi and librettist Francesco Maria Piave put Violetta Valéry in focus of the play. She is a „traviata“- the title meaning „the fallen woman“, broken by the rules and expectations of her time. The score gives insight in Violetta’s innermost feelings with virtuosic coloraturas, large cantilenas and dramatic bursts.
This opera is directed by Olivier Tambosi and Mark Rohde will make his opera debut as the new musical director with the Philharmonische Orchester.