"La traviata," Giuseppe Verdi's tale of passion, sacrifice and misunderstanding, will be presented by the School of Music's Opera Program Friday-Sunday, Feb. 28-March 2, at the Shubert Center for the Performing Arts.
Sung in Italian with supertitles, the performance will be fully staged and costumed and accompanied by the Philharmonia Orchestra of Yale. Christopher Mattaliano, a renowned director who teaches at the Juilliard School of Music, will lead the production, while Yale faculty member Lawrence Leighton Smith will conduct the Yale Philharmonia.
"La traviata" -- "The Fallen Woman" -- tells the story of Violetta, a beautiful Parisian courtesan whose life revolves around parties and paramours. Alfredo Germont falls deeply in love with her and persuades her to give up her wild ways and move in with him. Sometime later, under pressure from Alfredo's father, she renounces her lover to save his family from the social embarrassment she has brought on them. This sacrifice makes it possible for Alfredo's innocent younger sister to marry well. Violetta does not explain her actions to Alfredo, and he, misunderstanding her motives, publicly humiliates her and runs off. Violetta's already frail health deteriorates into end-stage tuberculosis. On her deathbed, all is explained and forgiven, and she dies in the arms of her beloved.
"La traviata" is based on a play about the real life of the Parisian courtesan Alphonsine Plessis, better known as Marie Duplessis, who died of consumption in 1847. The opera was first performed in 1853.
Violetta is a "a soprano's dream role, demanding a full range of emotions -- everything from intense love for life to utter heartbreak," says John Baril, coordinator of the Opera Program. Such renowned divas as Maria Callas, Rosa Ponselle and Joan Sutherland have set their stamp on the part, and soon School of Music students Julianne Borg and Lori Trustman will hope to do the same.
"This is an extraordinarily challenging role, with singing that includes high-flying brilliant coloratura, subdued legato, excellent breath control and more," Mr. Baril says. "In addition, Violetta is almost continually on stage, acting and singing for nearly two and a half hours, so the part takes stamina as well as dramatic and vocal talent. You can only program 'Traviata' if you have a strong, vocally mature Violetta -- and weUre lucky enough to have two," he adds.
"'La traviata' is difficult to cast, particularly in the case of young singers," says Doris Yarick-Cross, professor of voice and artistic director of Yale Opera. "We chose it because, as it happens, we have the resources."
"It's exciting to be able to do Violetta," says Ms. Trustman, a second-year student at the School of Music and former lead singer with the Nevada Opera. "From the first to the last note, this is gorgeous music. And this will be a real vocal challenge. Even the opening aria offers a complete calisthenic workout for the voice."
The role of the earnest, impassioned young Alfredo calls for a tenor with a dramatic flair. Alternating in the role will be School of Music students Chad Shelton and Pablo Veguilla.
The leading baritone role in "La traviata" is Giorgio Germont, father of Alfredo. "Verdi pushed the baritone voice to a new, more intense level in opera," Mr. Baril explains. "The role demands a larger voice with a wide range and depth and considerable power and strength at the top." The part will be shared by students Galen Bower and Robert Gardner.
"La traviata" is the Opera Program's major production of the year. According to Professor Yarick-Cross, "One always looks for the right opportunity to produce 'Traviata' because it is so appealing and touching. ThereUs no question but that itUs an audience-builder."
"La traviata" will be performed at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 28 and March 1, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Tickets are $28.50, $23.50, $18.50 and $12.50; student rush tickets will be available at the door. Tickets may be purchased at the Shubert box office, 247 College St., or by calling ProTix 1-800-955- 5566. For more information, call 432-4157.
The Opera Program's 16 students pursue an intensive two-year program under the aegis of the School of Music, working closely with opera coaches and voice teachers. Each student accepted to the program is assured a major role in the fall "Opera Scenes" and, whenever feasible, the spring semester full-length operas. In addition, the students take part in performances throughout the year with companies as diverse as the Hartford Symphony and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Yale Opera will present Gioacchino Rossini's "La Cenerentola" on April 25 and 26 in Sprague Memorial Hall. This final production of the year will provide lead roles to students who are not showcased in "La traviata."