robably one of the best-known compositions by Giuseppe Verdi, The traviata is based on an adaptation of the 19th century literary success Camile by Alejandro Dumas. The heroic and feminine free spirit of the main character, Violeta Valery, was a scandal when it was premiered in 1853 as it deals with the courtesan falling in love with the young Alfredo and the problems they have to face as his father, Giorgio Germont, interferes.

What makes La traviata different, apart from its immense ever-present beauty and its intense emotion, is that the author set it in his own time, something quite revolutionary in that historical period. It was a huge scandal at the time as evidenced by its failure with audience and critics.  In that period, when Victorian morals concealed vices, Verdi wanted to bring them out. The traviata -which means “errant” is absolutely male-chauvinistic and the heroine is “punished” for her sins with disease, unfortunate separation and death.

This Auditorio de Tenerife production has Alessandro Palumbo as musical director, the staging is directed by Alejandro Abrante; Jorge Cabrera is the stage designer and costumes are designed by Javier Caraballero.