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1980 production photo from La traviata

La traviata 1980

June 28 - August 23, 1980

The tragic story of Violetta…

…the beautiful courtesan who forsakes her life in Paris for love.

Music By
Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto By
Francesco Maria Piave, after Alexander Dumas' play La Dame aux Camélias

Synopsis

Act I

The scene is set in and around Paris in the 1840’s. Despite persistent illness, the courtesan Violetta Valery entertains as usual, insisting that she can only live a life dedicated to pleasure. She is introduced to Alfredo, a young man from the pro­vinces with whom she flirts. Alfredo finds her at a moment when she cannot disguise her illness. Violetta is touched by his concern for her as Alfredo declares his love. Violetta offers friendship and tells him to call on her again when the camellia she gives him has faded. Alfredo leaves, and Violetta is torn between a desire for the romance he offers and her life of pleasure.

Act II

Violetta and Alfredo are now living happily in the country. However, Alfredo learns from Annina, Violetta’s maid, that she has been secretly selling her jewels to support them. Alfredo rushes to Paris to borrow money so that he can reimburse Violetta. While Alfredo is gone, his father calls on Violetta. The elder Germont finally begs Violetta to break off the liaison because the scandal threatens his daughter’s forthcoming marriage. Reluctantly, Violetta agrees to make the sacrifice demanded of her. When Alfredo returns, Violetta assures him of her love, but then departs, leaving him a note in which she claims she is returning to a former client in Paris. The elder Germont returns to console Alfredo, but Alfredo leaves to find Violetta and seek revenge.

Act III

Alfredo and Violetta meet at a gambling party given by another courtesan, Flora. Alfredo antagonizes the Baron for whom he believes Violetta has left him. Violetta begs Alfredo to leave the party, but instead he makes a scene, publicly denouncing and humiliating Violetta. Furiously he casts all his winnings from the gambling table at her feet. She faints in the arms of Flora and Grenvil. Alfredo’s father arrives and reprimands Alfredo for insulting Violetta while the Baron challenges him to a duel.

Act IV

Violetta now lies dying. She re-reads a letter from Germont saying that he has told his son of her sacrifice and that Alfredo will return to beg her forgiveness. When Alfredo arrives, they are joyously reunited and plan to leave Paris so she may recover her health. She tries to dress, but collapses. Violetta recounts the happiness they have experienced and the joy she now feels once again, as she dies in Alfredo’s arms.

Artists

Santa Fe Opera

Ashley Putnam

Soprano

Violetta Valery

Santa Fe Opera

Michael Cousins

Tenor

Alfredo Germont

Santa Fe Opera

Brent Ellis

Baritone

Giorgio Germont

Santa Fe Opera

Celeste Barrett

Mezzo-soprano

Flora Bervoix

Santa Fe Opera

Michael van Engen

Bass

Marquis d'Obigny

Santa Fe Opera

Michael Fiacco

Tenor

Gastone

Santa Fe Opera

Daniel S. Gale

Baritone

Baron Duphol

Santa Fe Opera

Greg Ryerson

Bass

Doctor Grenvil

Santa Fe Opera

Alexandra Hughes

Mezzo-soprano

Annina

Santa Fe Opera

Kenneth Berkeley-Korpela

Tenor

Giuseppe

Santa Fe Opera

Harry Musselwhite

Bass

A Messenger

Santa Fe Opera

Kyle Hancock

Bass

Flora's Servant

Santa Fe Opera

Susan Hartley

Dancer

Santa Fe Opera

Joseph Rich

Dancer

John Crosby headshot

John Crosby

Conductor

Santa Fe Opera

Bodo Igesz

Director

Paul Steinberg

Paul Steinberg

Scenic Designer

Santa Fe Opera

John David Ridge

Costume Designer

Craig Miller headshot

Craig Miller

Lighting Designer

Santa Fe Opera

Francis Patrelle

Choreographer

George Manahan headshot

George Manahan

Conductor

Chorus Master