The Metropolitan Opera: La Traviata

Overview

La Traviata’s sumptuous melodies and timeless depiction of doomed love have made the work a favorite of generations of operagoers. In his approach to this classic drama, director Willy Decker sets the action on a nearly bare stage, focusing the audience’s full attention on the three main characters. As Violetta, the ailing courtesan desperate to escape her past, soprano Sonya Yoncheva offers a fearless and sympathetic performance from beginning to end. American tenor Michael Fabiano sings with ardent longing as her devoted lover Alfredo, delivering emotionally wrought phrases and ringing top notes. Thomas Hampson brings a burnished baritone to Germont, Alfredo’s protective father whose stern demands spell disaster for the young couple. On the podium, maestro Nicola Luisotti leads an electric performance of Verdi’s unforgettable score.

Cast

Sonya Yoncheva

Violetta Valéry

Michael Fabiano

Alfredo Germont

Thomas Hampson

Giorgio Germont

Jane Bunnell

Annina

James Courtney

Doctor Grenvil

Isabel Leonard

Self - Host

Dwayne Croft

Baron Douphol

Jeff Mattsey

Marquis d'Obigny

Rebecca Jo Loeb

Flora Bervoix

Scott Scully

Gastone, Vicomte de Letorières