Opera Australia Presents “La Traviata”

By Danielle Pope

Dominica Matthews, Michael Honeyman and the Opera Australia Chorus in "La Traviata" - Photo- Branco Gaica
Dominica Matthews, Michael Honeyman and the Opera Australia Chorus in "La Traviata" - Photo- Branco Gaica
This opera classic is coming to Sydney

Internationally acclaimed soprano Ermonela Jaho will make her Australian debut in Sydney this summer in the classic role of Violetta in La Traviata. As the recipient of the Reader’s Award at the 2016 International Opera Awards and described by The Economist as “the world’s most acclaimed soprano”, it will be a rare treat to hear her sing on stage.

Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini says that Ermonela is one of the greatest singers in the world, “ She’s a tremendously exciting and wonderful artist who I cannot wait to see perform for us on the Opera House stage,” he said.

Two of Australia’s finest sopranos Lorina Gore and Emma Matthews will also share the role of Violetta across the Sydney season, with Verdi specialist Renato Palumbo and Anthony Legge conducting.

La Traviata is one of the world’s most popular operas. It includes the show-stopping arias ‘Sempre libera’, which vies with ‘Nessun dorma’ for highest rankings in classical top tens as well as the famous drinking song, the ‘Brindisi’.

Rame Lahaj and Lorina Gore in Opera Australia's "La Traviata" - Photo - Branco Gaica
Rame Lahaj and Lorina Gore in Opera Australia’s “La Traviata” – Photo – Branco Gaica

The story of La Traviata, so exotic and literary for us, 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.

This production by Elijah Moshinsky is one of Opera Australia’s most successful, featuring opulent party scenes in Paris and beautiful autumn afternoons in the countryside.

Lavishly decorated sets and exquisite costumes along with Verdi’s famous, hummable tunes combine to create the perfect production for those wanting to experience opera for the first time. Or for seasoned opera-goers, the chance to revisit an old favourite with a dynamic new cast.

La Traviata will be shown at the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House from 3 Feb – 1 Apr. For tickets and more information see www.opera.org.au

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