Seattle Opera Presents LA TRAVIATA

Seattle Opera rings in the New Year with some of the most glorious music in all of opera: Verdi's La traviata, the original Moulin Rouge. German Stage Director Peter Konwitschny has created an "excitingly rebellious" (A Younger Theater) production that takes an uncompromising look at moral hypocrisy. In this story, practically all of Paris rushes in as voyeurs to watch the demise of the town's dying "It Girl"-a modern-day courtesan named Violetta. The crowd, withmore concern for their entertainment than her health, foists a new admirer on her: a young, socially awkward bookworm named Alfredo. While love seems like it could be a distraction, there's ultimately no denying the darkness that descends on Verdi's heroine. Presented without intermission, the "non-stop music keeps the audience riveted throughout" (Express, UK).

"This La traviata is one of the most truthful productions of Verdi's masterpiece that I've seen," saidSeattle Opera General Director Aidan Lang. "Nothing distracts from the music and the emotional urgency of the story, and the full power of this piece is unleashed to the ears and to the heart."

Two stunning voices share performances as Verdi's heroine. Corinne Winters, an "outstanding actress," and a "singer of extraordinary grace and finesse," (The New York Times) reprises her signature role of Violetta in the same production that landed her on the cover of Opera magazine. Winters will also return later in the season to sing the title character in Janá?ek's Katya Kabanova(Feb. 25-March 11). Angel Blue who also sings Violetta, returns to McCaw Hall after winning fans with her rendition of "Summertime" as Clara in Porgy & Bess (2011). The rising opera star has sung with Plácido Domingo, the late Donna Summer, and Chaka Khan, among others.

Acclaimed lyric tenors Joshua Dennis and Zach Borichevsky share the part of Alfredo-the young man who pledges his heart to the sophisticated Parisian; and in the role of Alfredo's father, Germont, are Weston Hurt (the title character in Nabucco, 2015; Talbot in Mary Stuart, 2016) andStephen Powell in his company debut. La traviata also sees the return of Maya Lahyani (Flora), Eric Neuville (Gastone), Barry Johnson (Baron Douphol), Charles Robert Austin (Dr. Grenvil), Jonathan Silvia (Marchese D'Obigny), and Karen Early Evans (Annina).

All members of the creative team make their Seattle Opera debuts. They include Peter Konwitschny, stage director; Mika Blauensteiner, revival director; maestro Stefano Ranzani; and Johannes Leiacker, production designer.

La traviata premieres Saturday, Jan. 14 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 28. An audio-describedversion of the performance will be offered to the visually-impaired on Sunday, Jan. 15.Tickets are available online at seattleopera.org or by calling 206.389.7676 or 800.426.1619. Tickets may also be purchased at the box office by visiting 1020 John Street (two blocks west of Fairview), Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Ticket prices start at $25. Groups save at least 20 percent: 206.676.5588 or groups@seattleopera.org. Seattle Opera Ticket Office: 206.389.7676/800.426.1619. Online orders: seattleopera.org.

In December, Seattle Opera offers free public-preview talks on La traviata at libraries throughout the Puget Sound. For a full list, go to seattleopera.org/calendar.

Photo credit: Tristram Kenton