Premiering in 1853 at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, La Traviata was composed by Giuseppe Verdi based on La Dame aux Camélias (The Lady of the Camellias) by Alexandre Dumas (The younger). More than 170 years after its debut, the work continues to hold a special place in the history of opera and is regularly performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages.
At a time when opera was largely associated with mythology, history, and the aristocracy, Verdi chose instead to tell the story of Violetta Valéry, a woman living in the splendour of 19th-century Paris.
Behind the glamour of lavish parties lies a journey of love and fate shaped by the limits imposed by social prejudice. The psychological depth of its characters, combined with Verdi's dramatically expressive musical language, has made La Traviata one of the most beloved operas across generations.
For the first time, Ho Guom Theatre is collaborating with the Giuseppe Verdi Trieste Opera House — one of Italy's most renowned artistic institutions bearing the name of the great composer Giuseppe Verdi. With a history spanning more than two centuries, the opera house is closely associated with Italy's long-standing operatic tradition.
The production also marks a major milestone for Ho Guom Theatre as it takes part directly in every stage of producing a classic opera in line with rigorous international standards. This includes the appointment of acclaimed European director Arnaud Bernard, whose profound artistic vision is expected to bring a vivid and emotionally compelling interpretation that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary creativity.
Joining the production are internationally acclaimed artists, including conductor and pianist Vanessa Benelli Mosell; soprano Maria Grazia Schiavo as Violetta Valéry; baritone Federico Longhi as Giorgio Germont; and tenor Klodjan Kaçani as Alfredo Germont.
With meticulous preparation and high sense of responsibility from Ho Guom Theatre, this production promises to deliver a world-class opera experience to audiences. Notably, every aspect of the production, from stage sets, scenery, and props to technical operations, has been carried out under a rigorous process that meets international standards.
The production not only reflects efforts to bring the finest achievements of international opera closer to Vietnamese audiences but also marks an important step forward for Ho Guom Theatre in mastering the world's leading professional artistic production processes.
