La Traviata Opera
Leksell Gamma Knife Society guests have the opportunity to enjoy La Traviata Opera in an open-air amphitheatre positioned on Sydney Harbour in front of Sydney’s spectacular Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
This monumental production features a forty-piece orchestra, magnificent sets, beautiful costumes, dazzling effects, and a 9-metre chandelier suspended above the purpose-built floating stage.
Offered in conjunction with the 2012 Leksell Gamma Knife Society Meeting for one night only, this event will add to an unforgettable Sydney experience.
*Please note: The Opera is performed in Italian with English subtitles.
Timing
Gates Open: 1700
Opera Commences: 1930
Opera Concludes: 2210
Total Running Time: 153 minutes
Date and Time
Wednesday March 28, 2012
Prices
Platinum Tickets - $350
Includes Premium seating, a souvenir event program (to be collected at the performance) and interval drinks in the exclusive Platinum Lounge.
A Reserve Tickets - $195
Artists
Stage Director Francesca Zambello
Conductor Brian Castles-Onion
Set Design Brian Thomson
Lighting Design John Rayment
Costume Design Tess Schofield
Choreographer Stephen Baynes
Violetta Valery Emma Matthews
Alfredo Germont Gianluca Terranova
Giorgio Germont Jonathan Summers
Other Information
Cloak Room
There are no cloak room facilities available, so anything you bring will need to be stored under your seat. We recommend that you do not bring large or bulky items, or items of significant value.
Dress Code
As the opera is being shown outside, it is recommended that smart casual attire is worn.
Synopsis
ACT I
Violetta has been to a sanatorium to treat her tuberculosis. On her return to health she throws a party to mark her re-emergence in the demi-monde under the protection of Baron Duphol. Her guests have just completed a long lunch and the Baron is reading the last pages of a novel by Dumas to Violetta as Flora, a rival courtesan, enters with her protector the Marquis.
Alfredo is introduced to Violetta by the decadent Gaston. Alfredo has begged Gaston to introduce him to Violetta. He has long been enthralled by her and has enquired after Violetta every day of her illness.
Violetta insists that everyone sits together and drinks a toast to the occasion. Alfredo is prevailed upon to sing a drinking song from Provence.
As the guests leave to dance in the ballroom, Violetta feels faint and is momentarily left alone. Alfredo re-enters and confesses his love for her. She asks him to return the following day.
After her guests leave and she is alone Violetta begins to consider the conflicting feelings of love and hedonism that are pulling her in opposite directions.
ACT II
Scene I
Violetta and Alfredo have been living together for three months in a house in the country. When Alfredo discovers that Violetta is selling her belongings to pay for their expenses he is conscience-stricken and leaves to visit his father, to raise some money. His father however has decided to call on Violetta to persuade her to give up Alfredo. Alfredo’s sister hopes to be married soon, and his relationship with Violetta jeopardises the family’s honour. Violetta realises that as a ‘fallen woman’ she would destroy Alfredo’s family and consents to leave him. She decides to leave instantly and writes a message to Alfredo, breaking off their affair. When Alfredo receives the message he is distraught and, despite his father’s attempts to console him, rushes off to wreak revenge on Violetta.
Scene II
A party is being held in Flora’s house. Alfredo enters to join the gambling party. When Violetta enters on the arm of the Baron she freezes with tension. Alfredo begins to insult the Baron and the two rivals meet over cards, and Alfredo, unlucky in love, cannot lose a hand. The game is interrupted by dinner.
Violetta begs Alfredo to leave before Duphol seeks revenge. Alfredo insists she comes with him and, in desperation, she says she loves the Baron. Alfredo publicly humiliates Violetta and throws money at her as payment for her services. Alfredo’s father reproves him for such behaviour.
ACT III
It is early morning and Violetta is sleeping. The doctor has given her only a few hours to live. Violetta rereads a letter from Alfredo’s father, telling her that the Baron was wounded in the duel with Alfredo and that Alfredo may have left the country.
But Alfredo has been told by his father of Violetta’s sacrifice and he returns — only to be confronted by the dying Violetta. He humours her by telling her that they should plan a new life away from Paris. Alfredo’s father has followed him and enters, followed by the doctor. Violetta suddenly feels revived, ready to start a new life with Alfredo — but this is only the symptoms of the last moments of her disease and she falls dead.