A toast to the pleasures of life!

Verdi's heartbreaking interpretation of the tragic life of a self-sacrificing courtesan is one of the best-loved of all operas. Richard Eyre's lavish and touching production is a consistent audience favourite at The Royal Opera repertory. Joyce El-Khoury, Ekaterina Bakanova and Corinne Winters will lead three casts on the productions return for the Winter 2016/17 and Summer 2017 seasons.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

When Alfredo and the Parisian courtesan Violetta fall passionately in love, his stern father Giogio is dismayed due to her background.After secretly meeting Violetta, Giorgio convinces her that she must leave his son forever. She acquiesces, and disappears from Paris. However, Violetta is dying, and an enraged Alfredo is convinced that she abandoned him callously.

It is only when Giorgio discovers that Violetta is on her deathbed, that he understands the full extent of her sacrifice and her love for his son. He confesses all to Alfredo, who reaches Violetta before she dies in his arms.