Sarah Giles’ luscious production of Verdi’s most beloved opera La Traviata, will make a triumphant return to the Sydney Opera House tonight (Thursday 23 January) after a sell-out season last summer.
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.
Receiving five-star reviews and prolonged standing ovations, the upcoming season will feature outstanding Australian sopranos Samantha Clarke and Lorina Gore, reprising their acclaimed performances to share the leading role of Violetta.
“Samantha Clarke is a revelation as Violetta” said Stage Noise and “one of the great operatic performances of our time, Lorina Gore’s Violetta” said Australian Stage.
Korean tenor Ji-Min Park returns to Australia to share the role of Alfredo with Australian Iain Henderson, while local baritones José Carbó and Luke Gabbedy share Giorgio Germont, alongside a cast of OA favourites and the acclaimed Opera Australia Chorus.
Maestro Johannes Fritzsch, followed by OA Chorus Master Paul Fitzsimon, will lead the Opera Australia Orchestra through Verdi’s achingly beautiful score, including the famous Brindisi and soaring Sempre libera.
Award-winning director Sarah Giles’ fresh, female lens on Verdi’s classic focuses a spotlight on Violetta’s humanity, highlighting the emotional conflict and heartache underlying her glamourous life as a Parisian courtesan.
Charles Davis’ stunning sets and Victorian costumes reimagined with 20th century couture juxtapose the glitz of Violetta’s public appearances with the stark realities of her existence behind closed doors.
As seen reducing Julia Roberts’ character to tears in cult film Pretty Woman, the power and timelessness of Verdi’s moving masterwork make La Traviata the world’s most-performed opera.
La Traviata
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 23 January – 27 March 2025
Information and Bookings: www.opera.com.au
Image: Samantha Clarke as Violetta Valéry and the Opera Australia Chorus in La Traviata (2024) – photo by Keith Saunders