La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. It is based on La dame aux Camélias (1852), a play adapted from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, son. The opera was originally titled Violetta, after the main character. It was first performed on 6 March 1853 at the La Fenice opera house in Venice. Piave and Verdi wanted to follow Dumas in giving the opera a contemporary setting, but the authorities at La Fenice insisted that it be set in the past, "c. 1700". It was not until the 1880s that the composer and librettist’s original wishes were carried out and "realistic" productions were staged.
Copyright Photo Home Page/Banner: Michele Crosera
Conductor, Stefano Ranzani
Director, Robert Carsen
Sets & Costumes, Patrick Kinmonth
Light designer, Robert Carsen & Peter Van Praet
Choreographer, Philippe Giraudeau
La Fenice Orchestra & Choir
Chorus Master Claudio Marino Moretti
La Fenice production
