A cornerstone of La Fenice’s repertoire, La traviata by Giuseppe Verdi returns to the stage. The masterpiece by the composer from Busseto will once again be presented in the historic production—now a symbol of the Venetian theatre—that inaugurated the rebuilt La Fenice after the fire. Directed by the Canadian stage director Robert Carsen and revived by Christophe Gayral, with sets and costumes by Patrick Kinmonth, the production has become, more than twenty years after its debut, an indispensable fixture of La Fenice’s programming. Stefano Ranzani will be in charge of the musical direction, leading a cast whose principal roles feature soprano Rosa Feola, tenor Stefan Pop, and baritone Roberto Frontali. Five performances are scheduled at Teatro La Fenice as part of the 2025–2026 Opera and Ballet Season and within the framework of the Venice Carnival: February 8, 11, 13, 15, and 17. A melodrama in three acts to a libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, La traviata is one of the most frequently performed operas in theatres worldwide, and it is also inextricably linked to the Venetian theatre not only because it was first staged here on March 6, 1853, but also because it was the title that inaugurated the first opera season of the rebuilt La Fenice in November 2004. “La traviata premiered on March 6, 1853, at Teatro La Fenice in Venice,” explains Christophe Gayral, “and, like a phoenix, it continues to be performed regularly to this day. This is why, at such special moments, a new Traviata is proposed, in a scenic version that is necessarily and inevitably simpler, yet still capable of affirming, with its customary, overwhelming force, the theme of the desire to live. The protagonist of the opera is Violetta, a young woman, ill yet still very attractive, who embodies resilience and independence from men. Her natural charisma and intelligence make her a woman of power, one whom all men wish to possess—an emancipated figure whom no one can stop. For her, life is a daily battle, a battle against illness, which she will fight with a will to live until her final moment.” The cast of this new production of Verdi’s La traviata will feature soprano Rosa Feola as Violetta Valéry, tenor Stefan Pop as Alfredo, and baritone Roberto Frontali as Giorgio Germont. The singing company also includes Carlotta Vichi (Flora Bervoix), Barbara Massaro (Annina), Paolo Antognetti (Gastone), Armando Gabba (Baron Douphol), Mattia Denti (Doctor Grenvil), and William Corrò (Marquis d’Obigny). Members of the Teatro La Fenice Chorus will perform the supporting roles: Cosimo D’Adamo and Eugenio Masino will alternate as Giuseppe; Umberto Imbrenda will appear as Flora’s servant; and Carlo Agostini as the messenger. Chorus Master: Alfonso Caiani.
Featured image: © Roberto Moro
