Verdi: La traviata (The Royal Opera)

Ermonela Jaho (Violetta Valéry); Charles Castronovo (Alfredo Germont); Plácido Domingo (Giorgio Germont); Catherine Carby (Annina); Aigul Akhmetshina (Flora Bervoix); Germán E Alcántara (Baron Douphol); Simon Shibambu (Doctor Grenvil); Thomas Atkins (Gastone de Letorieres); Jeremy White (Marquis D'Obigny);

Soprano Ermonela Jaho stars as Violetta Valéry, with Charles Castronovo as her lover Alfredo and Plácido Domingo as Alfredo’s stern father Giorgio Germont, in The Royal Opera’s much-loved production of Verdi’s La traviata.

One of the greatest of all operas, La traviata is based on the novel and play La Dame aux camélias by Alexandre Dumas fils, inspired in turn by the life and death of the real Parisian courtesan, Marie Duplessis. The opera tells the profoundly moving story of a courtesan prepared to sacrifice everything for love, and contains some of Verdi’s most beautiful arias and duets.

Richard Eyre’s engrossing naturalistic production features stunning designs by his regular collaborator Bob Crowley. Italian conductor Antonello Manacorda conducts Verdi’s sublime score, which offers a wonderful showcase for the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Royal Opera Chorus.

Reviews

"Jaho gives everything she has, especially an exceptional diversity of soft singing, intimate, vulnerable, dreamy, apprehensive, intense and the result is a deeply moving portrayal." (The Financial Times ★★★★)

"Domingo was hailed with an ovation worthy of a star" (The Times ★★★★)

"It’s the perfect staging for a newbie and Traviata junkie alike." (Bachtrack ★★★★)

"Often music-lovers ask where to start with opera, or where to take a newcomer. This La Traviata fits the bill, and also has fresh ideas for those who already know their way around. With the amazing Jaho in the title role it is a treat, wherever you start." (Culture Whisper ★★★★)

"…unmissable" (The Guardian)

Extra features

Introduction to La traviata; Behind the Movement; Interviews with Richard Eyre and Bob Crowley; Cast Gallery