La Traviata, quite literally The Fallen Woman, recounts the story of a Parisian courtesan, who actually falls in love with a courtier, and then ends up dying of tuberculosis. In coming up with this masterpiece, Verdi has been quoted as saying he wanted something “of our own age”, and so it remains to this day. Despite this, he was still coerced into having it set a 100 years earlier, in the time of Richelieu. That’s how La Traviata came to be, with all those flamboyant choruses, parties and hearth-wrenching and soul-baring arias.
At the heart of this eagerly anticipated production is a stellar cast assembled to add exceptional international gravitas from its two leading artists. Zuzana Marková, acclaimed for her interpretations of the great heroines of the Italian repertoire, brings to Violetta the experience of a soprano who has captivated audiences at some of Europe’s most prestigious stages, including Paris, Vienna, Berlin, Venice’s La Fenice, London’s Royal Opera, Naples and Rome, as well as the Verona arena.
Opposite her, Rame Lahaj brings the stature of a tenor who has established himself on the world’s foremost opera stages, from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and Paris National Opera to the Bolshoi Theatre, Teatro Real Madrid, Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Verona Arena and Sydney Opera House. A former prize winner of Plácido Domingo’s Operalia competition, Lahaj is widely regarded as one of the most prominent singers of his generation, with Alfredo being among the signature roles of his international career.
The primary triangle is completed by Greek baritone Dimitris Tiliakos, one of the most distinguished voices of his generation, who marks his third consecutive appearance at the Aurora, this time round in the all-important role of Giorgio Germont. It comes as no surprise, therefore that he too brings a CV that includes MetOpera, London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Venice and Zurich as well as the Bolshoi.
In other words, this is a trio for whom La Traviata is not merely repertoire, but a genuine signature role, and, in the grander scheme of things, a rare and dazzling bonanza for Maltese audiences.
a trio for whom La Traviata is not merely repertoire, but a genuine signature role… a rare and dazzling bonanza for Maltese audiences.
The cast is further strengthened by an outstanding ensemble of Maltese (or Malta-based) artists which includes Andriana Yordanova as Flora, Alan Sciberras as Gastone, Louis Andrew Cassar as Barone Douphol, Noel Galea as Marchese D’Obigny, and Clare Ghigo as Annina. Japanese bass Hidenori Inoue appears as Dottor Grenvil. Together, they promise to bring a fresh intensity and emotional depth to one of opera’s most beloved and enduring masterpieces.
Markova’s Violetta stands at the centre of Verdi’s deeply human drama — a woman torn between the glittering world in which she lives and her yearning for genuine love. Opposite her, Lahaj’s Alfredo embodies youthful passion and idealism, while Tiliakos brings the weight and complexity of Giorgio Germont, whose intervention ultimately shapes the tragic course of the story. It is a combination of voices and personalities that gives this La Traviata a particularly strong artistic appeal.
The production will be conducted by Colin Attard, whose name has been inseparable from the development of opera at the Aurora and whose musical direction has helped define the theatre’s operatic tradition. Riccardo Buscarini returns at the helm of the visual team as Stage Director, this time round in collaboration with Polish director Pia Partum, whose contribution was made possible by the generous support of the Polish Embassy in Malta. The visual world of the production is created by Giammaria Farina (set design) and Mara Pieri (costume design).
The result is intended to be much more than a celebratory performance. For the Aurora, La Traviata is both a tribute to its extraordinary history and a statement of its continuing artistic ambition.
“Something of our own age” – Giuseppe Verdi on La Traviata
Tickets are now out on sale at €100, €80 and €60, with a limited number of premium boxes available for €550-for-4-seats, including champagne and butler service. Vin d’honneur tokens for an intermission wine-and-canapes reception are being sold at €35. Check out the Choose Your Seats link above.
Shots from our latest 2025 opera production of LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
