Star soprano Natalie Dessay takes the stage as Violetta Valéry, the tragic courtesan who sacrifices everything for love, opposite American tenor Matthew Polenzani as Alfredo Germont. Dmitri Hvorostovsky sings Giorgio Germont, Alfredo's father, who disapproves of Violetta's lifestyle but is moved by her plight. Fabio Luisi conducts Willy Decker's innovative, modern-dress staging of one of the most-loved operas of all time.
"An enormous success… Willy Decker's grippingly spare, almost surreal new production of Verdi's Traviata has come back for this season as a vehicle for the soprano Natalie Dessay, who made a wrenching impression as the fatally ill courtesan. In the final act her performance of 'Addio, del passato,' Violetta's farewell to dreams of happy days past, was mellifluous and achingly real." –The New York Times
"Delivers style, sparkle, and stirring drama…" – Los Angeles Times
Synopsis:
ACT I: Violetta Valéry knows that she will die soon, exhausted by
her restless life as a courtesan. At a party she is introduced to
Alfredo Germont, who has been fascinated by her for a long
time. Rumor has it that he has been enquiring after her health
every day. The guests ask Alfredo to propose a toast. He celebrates
true love, and Violetta responds in praise of free love.
She is touched by his candid manner and honesty. Suddenly,
she feels faint, and the guests withdraw. Only Alfredo remains
behind and declares his love. There is no place for such feelings
in her life, Violetta replies. But she gives him a camellia,
asking him to return when the flower has faded. Alone, Violetta
is torn by conflicting emotions—she doesn’t want to give
up her way of life, but at the same time she feels that Alfredo
has awakened her desire to be truly loved.
ACT II: Violetta has chosen a life with Alfredo, and they enjoy
their love in the country, far from society. When Alfredo discovers
that this is only possible because Violetta has been selling
her property, he leaves for Paris to procure money. In his
absence, Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, pays Violetta a
visit. He demands that she separate from his son, as their relationship
threatens his daughter’s impending marriage. Over
the course of their conversation, Germont comes to realize
that Violetta is not after his son’s money but loves him unselfishly.
He appeals to her generosity of spirit and Violetta finally
agrees to leave Alfredo forever. Only after her death shall he
learn the truth about why she returned to her old life. She
accepts an invitation to a masked ball she has received and
writes a goodbye letter to her lover. Alfredo returns, and while
he is reading the letter, his father appears to console him. But
all the memories of home and family can’t prevent the furious
Alfredo from seeking revenge for Violetta’s apparent betrayal.
At the masked ball, news has spread of Violetta and Alfredo’s
separation. She arrives with her new lover, Baron Douphol.
Alfredo and the baron battle at the gaming table and Alfredo
wins a fortune. When everybody has withdrawn, Alfredo confronts
Violetta, who claims to be in love with the Baron. In his
rage Alfredo calls the guests as witnesses and declares that
he doesn’t owe Violetta anything. He throws his winnings at
her. Giorgio Germont, who has witnessed the scene, rebukes
his son for his behavior. The baron challenges his rival to a
duel.
Act III: Violetta is dying. Her last remaining friend, Doctor
Grenvil, knows that she has only a few more hours to live.
Alfredo’s father has written to Violetta, informing her that his
son was not injured in the duel. Full of remorse, he has told
him about Violetta’s sacrifice. Alfredo wants to rejoin her as
soon as possible. Violetta is afraid that he might be too late.
The sound of rampant celebrations are heard from outside
while Violetta is in mortal agony. But Alfredo does arrive and
the reunion fills Violetta with a final euphoria. Her energy and
exuberant joy of life return. All sorrow and suffering seems to
have left her—a final illusion, before death claims her.
CONDUCTOR: Fabio Luisi
PRODUCTION: Willy Decker
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER: Wolfgang Gussmann
ASSOCIATE COSTUME DESIGNER: Susana Mendoza
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Hans Toelstede
CHOREOGRAPHER: Athol Farmer
LIVE IN HD HOST: Deborah Voigt
LIVE IN HD DIRECTOR: Gary Halvorson
Cast in order of vocal appearance
VIOLETTA VALÉRY: Natalie Dessay
MARQUIS D’OBIGNY: Kyle Pfortmiller
FLORA BERVOIX: Patricia Risley
BARON DOUPHOL: Jason Stearns
GASTONE, VICOMTE DE LETORIÈRES: Scott Scully
A GENTLEMAN: Peter Volpe
ALFREDO GERMONT: Matthew Polenzani
ANNINA, VIOLETTA’S COMPANION: Maria Zifchak
GIORGIO GERMONT, ALFREDO’S FATHER: Dmitri Hvorostovsky
DOCTOR GRENVIL: Luigi Roni