Chase the life you long for.
Few operas capture life’s full range of beauty, love and heartbreak like La Traviata. Inspired by Alexandre Dumas, fils’ The Lady of the Camellias, Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece tells the story of Violetta Valéry, a celebrated courtesan who dares to follow her heart despite the weight of society’s expectations and the fragile state of her own health.
About the Story
We meet Violetta at the height of fashion, wit and culture as hostess of a glamorous party. Time seems to stand still, however, when Violetta realizes the depth of feeling she returns for one of her many suitors, the young Alfredo Germont. Violetta seizes the moment to take a chance on true love and leaves behind her glittering life to live with Alfredo in the country. But society cannot accept a courtesan living outside the rules of her class. Alfredo’s father confronts Violetta, and in tender but firm tones informs her that their liaison has ruined the Germont family’s standing, and the prospect of Alfredo’s sister making a respectable marriage. Heartbroken but generous, Violetta agrees to leave Alfredo and not tell him why, in the hopes he will not follow her back to Paris.
At a soiree hosted by Violetta’s friend Flora, Alfredo interrupts the celebrations to condemn his former lover, now in the company of the Baron Douphal, and cruelly mistreats her in front of the entire household. In the closing scenes of the story we see a deathly ill Violetta, now without wealth or friends, holding to the hope that love might once again light up her life.
About the Music
La Traviata is one of several operas created by Giuseppi Verdi (music) and Francisco Maria Piave (libretto / text). It presents a more intimate and personal story than some of Verdi’s other famous works, such as Nabucco and Aida. The music, however, moves on an epic scale, from the act one toast to life (Libiamo ne’ lieti calici) and Violetta’s life-altering decision to follow her heart (Sempre Libera), to the heartbreaking duet of act 2 (Pura siccome un angelo), and the final moments where love and life quiver on the bow of a violin.
What to Expect
Opera Kelowna’s production is set in the glamour and excitement of 1920s Paris, wherein societal expectations are undergoing a seachange. One generation revels in a liberated lifestyle while another mourns the changing times.
One of the most moving aspects of this opera is the people in it. The main characters are complex, compassionate, and human, and the music reflects that depth. Verdi and Piave invite us to hear the frenetic energy of a society on edge, to appreciate the nobility of a courtesan, to feel the tug between duty and love. We can empathize with Alfredo even in his worst moments. The music shows us that, even though he doesn’t immediately know it, Alfredo will regret his treatment of Violetta for the rest of his life.
Full details and cast announced June 2nd!
