A Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre production, featuring the Buxton International Festival Orchestra
La traviata, reimagined for Buxton International Festival in a production inspired by La Belle Époque, the golden age of Parisian elegance. A world that opens up before us in splendour and sorrow, where pleasure, love and reputation are constantly at stake. Verdi’s glorious score brings this world vividly to life in one of the most powerful operas ever written.
Building on a proud tradition of mounting Verdi operas at the festival including our triumphant Macbeth in 2017, the rarely staged Alzira in 2018, and the powerful Ernani in 2024 – the Buxton International Festival is delighted to present a new production of La traviata, continuing our celebration of Italy’s most celebrated composer. Violetta is a coveted courtesan, the toast of Paris, desired by many. When she meets the ardent Alfredo, her life changes forever and she longs to break free of her past. But in a world where reputation is everything, their forbidden love faces an insurmountable obstacle in the form of Alfredo’s disapproving father. We invite you to be captivated by this timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and social prejudice.
Our cast, including the breathtaking soprano Alexandra Nowakowski, brings Verdi’s unforgettable score to life, from the vivacious chorus of the famous ‘Brindisi’ to Violetta’s soaring ‘Sempre libera’ and the breathless notes at the opera’s tragic end.
Join us for an evening of passionate arias and dramatic duets that will stay with you long after the final curtain. Whether you are a seasoned opera-goer or new to the art form, this is an unmissable opportunity to experience one of the greatest operas ever written.
Libretto by Francesco Piave, based on Dumas’ play, La Dame aux Camélias
Sung in Italian with English side-titles
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval
CREATIVE TEAM
Adrian Kelly Conductor
James Hurley Director
Corina Wuersch Assistant Director
Corina Wuersch Movement Director
Elliott Squire Set Designer
Zahra Mansouri Costume Designer
Ben Pickersgill Lighting Designer
Erika Gundesen Repetiteur
CAST
Alexandra Nowakowski Violetta Valéry
Alina Adamski Violetta Valéry (22 July)
Omer Kobiljak Alfredo Germont
André Heyboer Giorgio Germont
Frances Gregory Flora Bervoix
Amy J Payne Annina
Harry Thatcher Gastone de Letorières
Christopher Nairne Barone Douphol
George Robarts Marchese d’Obigny
John Ieuan Jones Dottore Grenvil
James Liu Giuseppe
