Verdi's soul-stirring masterpiece

Grammy winner Angel Blue makes her Houston Grand Opera Debut as Verdi's doomed courtesan opposite Bryan Hymel as her lover Alfredo in this stunning revival directed by Arin Arbus. An immensely popular staple of the modern operatic repertoire, La Traviata premiered in Venice in 1853 and continues to capture the imaginations of audiences and creators across the world to this day.

At the age of 40, Italian Opera legend Verdi turned from the biblical dramas and ancient histories that inspired much of the grand opera tradition to write La Traviata, a tragic tale that dealt with moral and social dilemmas that were not openly acknowledged by polite society. While it may have caused controversy upon its debut, the opera is one of his most celebrated works, praised for its emotional depth and exquisite, bittersweet beauty.

What is the story?

Verdi's herione is Violetta, the fallen woman of the title, a glamorous Parisian courtesan that lives for earthly pleasures until she finds something lacking in her manicured life. Her heart's fires are stoked when she meets Alfredo, but the young lover's happiness is not to be long-lived when Violetta gives up her love for the sake of his family and their reputation.