On Saturday, September 7th, I had the pleasure of attending La Traviata at the Royal Opera House in London, a production that has become something of a classic at this iconic venue. The staging, already a familiar sight to London audiences, was once again a triumph. It’s a traditional yet timeless take on Verdi’s masterpiece, with sumptuous sets and costumes that capture the elegance of the past. The opulent ball gowns, in particular, were dazzling, evoking the glamour of a bygone era.
One of the highlights of the evening was the second act, where the famous poker scene and the dance sequence were executed with grandeur and precision. The choreography was sharp, and the drama unfolded in a way that kept the audience fully engaged, adding a real sense of spectacle to the performance.
Aida Garifullina, in her debut as Violetta Valéry on the London stage, was absolutely breathtaking. Though still young for such a demanding role, she showed incredible potential. Her voice soared with stunning high notes, and she brought a youthful vulnerability to Violetta, portraying her gradual physical decline with emotional depth. You could sense her illness taking hold from the moment she began to sing. Garifullina is undoubtedly on her way to becoming one of the most sought-after Traviatas in major opera houses across Europe.
Francesco Demuro as Alfredo Germont was equally outstanding. There’s something truly magical about hearing an Italian tenor in this role, and Demuro delivered with passion and intensity. His rendition of “Libiamo” was especially memorable, full of energy and joy, earning him a well-deserved ovation from the audience by the end of the performance.
George Petean, in the role of Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, brought a quiet dignity to the character. He portrayed the paternal figure with restraint, allowing his rich baritone voice to carry the emotional weight of the character’s difficult decisions. His aria “Di Provenza” was one of the most applauded moments of the evening, a reflection of his polished and deeply moving performance.
Overall, the night was a spectacular reminder of why La Traviata remains such a beloved staple in the operatic repertoire. From the gorgeous production design to the world-class cast, this performance was nothing short of magnificent. Once again, the Royal Opera House has proven that some productions, no matter how many times they’re staged, never lose their magic.
CASTING :
Violetta Valéry
Aida Garifullina
Alfredo Germont
Francesco Demuro
Giorgio Germont
George Petean
Doctor Grenvil
Barnaby Rea
Annina
Veena Akama-Makia
Flora Bervoix
Jingwen Cai
Baron Douphol
Grisha Martirosyan
Gastone de Letorières
Ryan Vaughan Davies
