15-06-2025
REVIEW: Duchy Opera thrills audiences with La Traviata
Duchy Opera have thrilled audiences over two days in Falmouth with this year's performance.
Their latest production of La Traviata, directed by Angela Agutter Thomas, is a heartfelt and visually sumptuous interpretation of Verdi's enduring masterpiece.
The production was held on June 5 and 6 at the Princess Pavilion, Falmouth.
With an English translation by Ruth and Thomas Martin, this rendition brings renewed accessibility and poignancy to a classic story of love, sacrifice, and societal constraint.
Set in the opulence of 19th-century Paris, the opera charts the tragic romance between the enchanting courtesan Violetta and the ardent Alfredo Germont.
Verdi, drawing from Alexandre Dumas fils' La Dame aux camélias, creates a deeply sympathetic portrayal of Violetta, whose nobility and devotion shine through her sorrow.
The production skilfully conveys this emotional arc, aided by striking visuals—including a logo inspired by Dumas' play, designed by Louis Dutton—and a richly atmospheric stage design.
With the performance being in English, one could easily see a close resemblance to the dramas and the lives of the British upper classes.
The Princess Pavilion made for a good venue, as during the interval guests were able to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and cakes and ice cream in the surroundings of the gardens and the sun setting.
The musical direction under Patrick Bailey is superb, maintaining both lyrical intimacy and sweeping grandeur.
The chorus, trained by chorus master Richard Jackson, provides powerful ensemble moments that enhance the opera's emotional intensity.
Verdi's lush score—punctuated by unforgettable arias like "Sempre libera" and "Addio del passato"—is performed with compelling passion and precision.
Particularly notable is the central performance of Violetta, a role beloved by sopranos and demanding both vocal agility and emotional depth.
In this production, she is portrayed with affecting sincerity and vocal brilliance, embodying the fragility and strength that make her story so timeless.
With ticket prices accessible to a wide audience—students at £10 and U17s free—Duchy Opera demonstrates its commitment to community engagement and the enduring power of opera.
Under the guidance of artistic consultant Russell Pascoe and a dedicated creative team, this La Traviata is both faithful to Verdi's vision and alive with contemporary resonance.
Duchy Opera is notable for its past performances and has previously staged concerts such as Around the World in 18 Songs, Die Fledermaus and their Christmas concert.
The production was a must-see for both seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike; it captures the glamour, tragedy, and humanity of Verdi's most performed work.
