Opera Australia opens its eagerly awaited 2024 season with the Sydney premiere of Sarah Giles’ acclaimed production of Verdi’s classic La Traviata, on 2 January at the Sydney Opera House.
Labelled as “an absolute triumph” (The AU Review) and “audaciously new” (InReview) this co-production by Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia and West Australian Opera, delivers the traditional glamour of La Traviata whilst giving this world-famous opera a fresh, female perspective.
Under her direction, Giles brings the inner world of Violetta to the fore, highlighting the realities and heartache of her courtesan life. The set by Charles Davis is designed to further examine Violetta’s public and private moments and his costumes capture the glittering world of parties and excess that one expects to step into with La Traviata.
For the first time award-winning conductor Jessica Cottis will lead the Opera Australia Orchestra and celebrated Opera Australia Chorus through Verdi’s moving score, which includes the famous Brindisi and Violetta’s soaring Sempre libera.
Australian soprano Samantha Clarke will perform as Violetta, from 2 January to 10 February making her debut with Opera Australia and following a string of debuts throughout 2023, including Carnegie Hall, West Australian Opera and with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Joining her is Australian-Chinese tenor Kang Wang reprising the role of Alfredo, and New Zealand baritone Phillip Rhodes who also makes his Opera Australia debut as Giorgio Germont.
Beyond those dates, rising Australian soprano Sophie Salvesani will perform the role of Violetta, one she debuted with Opera Australia in 2022 to great acclaim.
Australian tenor Tomas Dalton will reprise his role as Alfredo and baritone Luke Gabbedy returns to Sydney to sing Giorgio Germont after performing in OA’s five-star production of the Ring Cycle in Brisbane
Conductor: Jessica Cottis (2 Jan – 3 Feb), Paul Fitzsimon (10 Feb – 14 Mar) | Director: Sarah Giles | Featuring: Samantha Clarke, Sophie Salvesani, Kang Wang, Tomas Dalton, Phillip Rhodes, Luke Gabbedy, Angela Hogan, Virgilio Marino, Richard Anderson, Andrew Moran, Shane Lowrencev, Petah Cavallaro, Jin Tea Kim, Jonathan McCauley, Malcolm Ede, Opera Australia Chorus, Opera Australia Orchestra, Opera Australia Dancers | Set & Costume Designer: Charles Davis | Lighting Designer: Paul Jackson | Revival Choreographer: Allie Graham | Intimacy Coordinator: Michelle Miall
La Traviata
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 2 January – 14 March 2024
Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au
Image: West Australian Opera’s 2022 production of La Traviata – photo by Clinton Bradbury