La traviata 2009

Synopsis
Artists

What could be better…

…than Verdi’s most beloved opera? How about Natalie Dessay in her first-ever performances as Violetta!

Music By

Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto By

Francesco Maria Piave

Overture

As the prelude begins, Alfredo Germont reflects on his relationship with the courtesan Violetta Valery.

Act I

Violetta’s home in Paris. Violetta is hosting a party for her friends to celebrate her apparent recovery from an illness. Gastone introduces Alfredo to Violetta, explaining that Alfredo is a great admirer of hers. Violetta asks the Baron, her current companion, to offer a toast. The Baron refuses, so Alfredo leads the party-goers in song. The guests move into the next room, leaving an obviously unwell Violetta alone with Alfredo. Alfredo declares his love for her, but she tells him she will never allow herself to fall in love again. After the party, Violetta is surprised to find herself strongly attracted to Alfredo but resolves to continue her life of freedom and pleasure.

Act II

In the country outside Paris. Alfredo and Violetta have been living together happily for three months. Alfredo discovers that Violetta has been selling her possessions in order to finance their household and he leaves for Paris to raise money. Germont, Alfredo’s father, arrives unexpectedly and asks Violetta to end her relationship with Alfredo, since it jeopardizes his daughter’s upcoming marriage. Violetta eventually agrees and decides to return to her life as a courtesan. Alfredo returns and she reassures him of her love, even as she is departing for Paris. She leaves a note for Alfredo, informing him that she is returning to the Baron. Germont tries to reassure his distraught son, asking him to return to their home in Provence, but Alfredo vows revenge and leaves in pursuit of Violetta.

Act III

Flora Bervoix’s home in Paris. Alfredo arrives at Flora’s lively party. Violetta and Baron Douphol soon appear, having reunited. The Baron challenges Alfredo to a card game and loses a great deal of money. Alfredo tries to get Violetta to leave the party with him, but she refuses. Angered, Alfredo summons the party guests and throws the money he has won at Violetta’s feet. The Baron challenges Alfredo to a duel.

Act IV

Violetta’s bedroom. Violetta is mortally ill. Both Germont and Alfredo travel to Paris in order to see her, but Violetta wonders whether she will live until their arrival. Alfredo rushes in and they declare their mutual love. Alfredo begins to describe a new life he has planned for them away from Paris, but it is obvious that Violetta’s death is imminent. Violetta gives her portrait to Alfredo, with the hope that he will find a “gentle maiden” to marry. After a final moment of strength, she dies.

Synopsis

Overture

Act I

Act II

Act III

Act IV

Artists

Natalie Dessay

Natalie Dessay

Saimir Pirgu

Saimir Pirgu

Laurent Naouri

Laurent Naouri

Anthony Michaels-Moore

Anthony Michaels-Moore

Wayne Tigges

Wayne Tigges

Nicholas Pallesen

Nicholas Pallesen

Keith Jameson

Keith Jameson

Harold Wilson

Harold Wilson

Emily Fons

Emily Fons

Tom Corbeil

Tom Corbeil

Jennifer Jakob

Jennifer Jakob

Jorge Prego

Jorge Prego

Lucas Harbour

Lucas Harbour

David Govertsen

David Govertsen

Frédéric Chaslin

Frédéric Chaslin

Laurent Pelly

Laurent Pelly

Christian Räth

Christian Räth

Chantal Thomas

Chantal Thomas

Duane Schuler

Duane Schuler

Jean-Jacques Delmotte

Jean-Jacques Delmotte

Susanne Sheston

Susanne Sheston

La traviata 2009