Audiences will have reasons to celebrate as Elijah Moshinsky’s much-loved production of La Traviata returns to the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House this week.
Recognised as one the world’s leading opera singers, soprano Irina Lungu, performs her signature role of Violetta in Australia for the first time, having sung the role across Europe, the UK and Tokyo, including receiving rave reviews in 2019 at the Vienna State Opera.
Korean tenor Ji-Min Park will reprise his Alfredo from 2018, OA principal baritone Luke Gabbedy will make his role debut as Giorgio, while mezzo soprano Celeste Haworth will perform Violetta’s rival courtesan, Flora Bervoix, opposite Andrew Moran’s Marquis D’Obigny.
Completing the principal cast, as wealth of talented OA singers join them onstage, including Iain Henderson, Alexander Sefton, Richard Anderson, Danita Weatherstone, Jin Tea Kim, Jonathan McCauley and Malcolm Ede.
Opera Australia’s esteemed Head of Music, Tahu Matheson, leads Opera Australia’s Chorus and Orchestra through Verdi’s sumptuous melodies.
The story of La Traviata was devastatingly close to Verdi’s own life. Shortly after the death of his young wife and children, Verdi took up with his own ‘traviata’ (or fallen woman) – a celebrated soprano who daringly defied convention in favour of freedom and a life of luxury.
A tragic love story that inspired pop culture classics Moulin Rouge and Pretty Woman, Verdi’s famous score includes the show-stopping aria Sempre libera and the instantly recognisable drinking song, Brindisi.
Combined with lavish sets and costumes, this production is ideal for audiences to experience opera for the first time, or for fans to revisit a favourite with a superb cast.
Conductor: Tahu Matheson | Director: Elijah Moshinksy | Revival Director: Warwick Doddrell | Choreographer: Matthew Barclay | Set Designer: Michael Yeargan | Costume Designer: Peter Hall | Lighting Designer: Nigel Levings
La Traviata
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 22 October – 4 November 2022
Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au
Image: Opera Australia’s 2021 production of La Traviata (supplied)