SYNOPSIS IN A MINUTE

Alfredo woos the courtesan Violetta into giving up her madcap Paris life to be with him alone. However his father persuades her to give up Alfredo, but not to tell him that the reason is to save his family’s honour. Back in Paris, Violetta suffers Alfredo’s anger and a fatal attack of tuberculosis. She is reunited with him at last, but it is too late… and she dies in his arms.

 

FULL SYNOPSIS

 

ACT I

While entertaining members of the demi-monde of French society in her Parisian home, the beautiful but frail courtesan Violetta Valéry is introduced to Alfredo Germont, a young man from Provence. Alfredo tells her that he has adored her since he first set eyes on her, and proclaims that no one could ever love her as much as he now does. Violetta gently rebuffs him but invites him to call on her the next day. Later, when alone, she ponders the possibility of finding true love, then laughs off the idea, declaring that her life will remain a whirl of pleasure.

 

INTERMISSION 

 

ACT II 

Scene i

Violetta has renounced her life as a Parisian courtesan and is now living happily in the country with Alfredo. Alfredo is surprised to learn that Violetta has been secretly selling off her possessions in Paris to pay for their living expenses, and, disturbed by this, he departs for Paris to raise enough money to buy back Violetta’s belongings. After he has left, Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont, pays a visit to Violetta. He tells her that he has a daughter who is currently engaged to a young man from a respectable family. He explains that Alfredo’s affair with a woman of Violetta’s reputation is a threat to his daughter’s marriage and begs Violetta to leave Alfredo forever. At his insistence Violetta agrees to break with Alfredo and writes a letter to him. Alfredo returns unexpectedly and Violetta quickly takes her leave, promising to return later. 

 

A messenger then delivers the letter to Alfredo, in which she tells him that she has left him forever to return to her former life in Paris. Germont returns, asking Alfredo to return to their family home but Alfredo, hurt and angered by Violetta’s rejection, sets off to find her in Paris. 

 

Scene ii

A party is in progress at the home of Violetta’s friend, Flora. Alfredo enters and proceeds to gamble. Violetta has returned to Baron Douphol, her rich protector. Fearing their confrontation could lead to a duel, Violetta begs Alfredo to leave. He is overcome with rage and, in front of all the guests, he insults Violetta who faints. Germont, in search of his son, arrives to witness the whole scene. 

 

INTERMISSION 

 

ACT III 

Violetta lies dying of consumption. She comforts herself by re-reading a letter from Germont, in which he explains that he has told his son the true reason for Violetta’s sudden break with him. Violetta’s maid Annina informs her that Alfredo has arrived and he rushes in, begging her to leave Paris with him forever. Violetta eagerly agrees but collapses. The doctor is summoned and he arrives with Alfredo’s deeply remorseful father. After saying her final farewell to Alfredo, Violetta dies in his arms.

 

 

COC NEWS: FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LA TRAVIATA

Learn more about the production's spectacular visuals, incomparable music, unforgettable setting, and more! Read on.

COC NEWS: BEHIND THE SCENES: THE COSTUMES OF LA TRAVIATA

Go behind-the-scenes with our industrious costumes department! Read on.

COC NEWS: A Triumphant Return to the Stage: Opening Night of Verdi’s LA TRAVIATA

Relive the magic of our first opening night in over two years! Read on.

TORONTO STAR: LA TRAVIATA FEATURE

BACHTRACK: LA TRAVIATA REVIEW

BROADWAY WORLD: LA TRAVIATA REVIEW

THE GLOBE AND MAIL: LA TRAVIATA REVIEW

LUDWIG VAN TORONTO: LA TRAVIATA REVIEW

OPERA GOING TORONTO: LA TRAVIATA REVIEW

"O mio rimorso!" from La Traviata


"Libiamo, ne' lieti calici" from La Traviata


Solo Spotlights: Marie Bérard & La Traviata