A stylish new production of Verdi’s beloved tearjerker La Traviata kicks off Scottish Opera’s unprecedented 50- date tour across Scotland, with a performance in Galashiels’ Volunteer Hall on Thursday, November 8.
Internationally renowned director Annilese Miskimmon promises a fresh take on the classic tale of a love denied, transporting the action from the 19th century to 1950s Paris – a stylish world on the cusp of modernity where a woman pushing the boundaries is still a step too far.
Featuring some of opera’s most famous tunes, including the drinking song Brindisi and Violetta’s beautiful aria Sempre Libera, this is Verdi at the height of his powers. The story centres on Violetta, a famed escort, who has fallen desperately in love with the young photographer Alfredo. Giving up her career in the upper-class salons of the French capital, she escapes with him to the country to try to build a new life.
But as Violetta is driven to sacrifice their relationship for the sake of Alfredo’s family, she becomes caught in a downward spiral, as her health fails and her old life begins to catch up with her.
This extensive tour means that for the 50th anniversary season the company will be performing within 30 minutes’ drive of 90 per cent of Scotland’s population.
Scottish Opera’s general director, Alex Reedijk, said: “Touring is always an integral part of Scottish Opera’s year, and during our 50th anniversary season we are even more determined to bring high-quality opera to as many of Scotland’s communities as possible.
“A new La Traviata, a show packed full of passion, emotion and great tunes, seems the perfect way to start this momentous tour. We really hope audiences will come out and see the show and help us celebrate the big 5-0!”
The two and a half hour, piano-accompanied performance in Galashiels starts at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm). Tickets costing £14 (£5 for under 26s) can be purchased at Guess What on the town’s High Street on 01896 759 655, or online at www.scottishopera.org.uk.