With the premiere of La Traviata in March 1853 at La Fenice in Venice, Verdi completed his celebrated trilogy, begun with Rigoletto and continued with Il Trovatore. As in many of his works, he drew inspiration from French literature—specifically La Dame aux camélias by Alexandre Dumas fils, published in 1848 and adapted for the stage in 1852.
Verdi infused the opera with elements of his personal life, including his unconventional relationship with a lyric soprano, using the story to critique the social conventions and bourgeois prejudices of his time. His intent was clear, and ultimately successful: the censors balked at the opera’s provocative storyline.
Verdi’s daring portrayal of a courtesan who had risen to bourgeois respectability—only to be relentlessly reminded of her past until she sacrificed herself—caused scandal at the time. Yet the controversy has long faded, and La Traviata endures as one of Verdi’s most significant operas of the 19th century.
Cast
Violetta Valéry: Ruth Iniesta
Flora Bervoix: Valentine Lemercier
Alfredo Germont: Thomas Bettinger
Giorgio Germont: André Heyboer
Annina: Reut Ventorero
Gastone: Raphaël Bremard
Barone Douphol: Jean Gabriel Saint Martin
Marchese d'Obigny: Timothée Varon
Dottore Grenvil: Luc Bertin Hugault
Ensemble
Orchestra: Orchestre Symphonique Saint Étienne Loire
