This weekend, I enjoyed a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s romantic tragedy, La Traviata. The production at Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre was sold out. Click on this link for a detailed synopsis of the opera.
I’ve seen La Traviata staged in several countries, but the Georgian performance was special. The Tbilsi opera building – interior and exterior – is stunning, and the opera singers were magnificent! I sat next to an American from Vail Colorado attending the opera with his daughter, and we enjoyed chatting. He spoke to me in Georgian and was surprised when I replied in English with an American accent. His wife is from Georgia, and they’re visiting friends and relatives in Tbilisi.
Opera House History
Tbilisi opera house, the first in Transcaucasia, opened in 1851. In 1874, the opera house was destroyed by fire. The present building, designed by Russian architect Victor Schröter, was completed in 1986.
La Traviata History
Giuseppe Verdi’s opera is based on the 1848 novel – Lady of the Camellias – by French novelist Alexandre Dumas. Tbilisi opera premiered the production in 1859.
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“La traviata has a host of famous songs and arias, including Sempre Libera (Always Free) sung by Violetta and Brindisi (The Drinking Song) performed during a party scene, when the characters toast to life and love.” ENO
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“Dumas’s subtle and moving portrait of a woman in love is based on his own love affair with one of the most desirable courtesans in Paris.” goodeads David Coward Editor
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“La Traviata (The Fallen Woman) follows the story of Violetta, a high-class courtesan in 19th-century Paris, and her passionate love affair with Alfredo, a young nobleman. Despite their developing romance, the relationship is put under pressure, as societal expectations, misunderstandings, and illness threaten to tear them apart and ultimately lead to a heart-breaking conclusion.”
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“Violetta Valéry lives in a world where there’s no such thing as too much sparkle, status, or sensation. No one plays the role of a working girl better than her – even when suffering from a fatal illness.”
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La Traviata Cast of Characters
The cast of characters includes:
- Violetta Valéry – Salome Jicia Soprano
- Flora Bervoix – Natalia Volchenko Mezzo-Soprano
- Annina Violeta’s Maid – Mariam Kobaliani Mezzo-Soprano
- Alfredo Germont – Otar Jorjikia Tenor
- Giorgio Germont Alfredo’s Father – Sulkhan Gvelesiani Baritone
- Gastone de Letorières – Tamaz Saginadze Tenor
- Baron Douphol – Irakli Mujiri Bass
- Marquis d’Obigny – Levan Makaridze Bass
- Doctor Grenville – Giorgi Goderdzishvili Bass
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Upon entering Tbilisi Opera House in 1858, French Writer Alexandre Dumas commented, “I can say without hesitation that, in my entire life, I have never seen such a delightful hall.”
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Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Ballet Company
The performance was accompanied by the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, Opera Chorus, and Ballet Company. The orchestra was led by Italian Conductor Gianna Fratta. It was a lovely evening!
