Celebrated worldwide, and still influencing popular culture today, Verdi’s La traviata, an operatic masterpiece, remains one of the most performed operas across the world.

Overview

At the heart of Parisian society, the beautiful and celebrated Violetta turns away from her glittering life when she falls in love with Alfredo.

Their happiness is short‑lived as Alfredo and Violetta’s love threatens to shame his family and Alfredo’s father, Germont pressures Violetta to give up her one chance of happiness.

Broken-hearted, Violetta agrees, allowing Alfredo to believe she has returned to her former life while hiding a more painful truth. With her health deteriorating, will Alfredo discover the truth before it’s too late?

Book your tickets to experience Verdi’s La traviata, a timeless story of love, society’s demands and impossible choices, live at the London Coliseum in 2027.

Staging and score

One of the most popular operas of all time, La traviata contains many instantly recognisable melodies, including the lively drinking song or Brindisi Let’s drink and be merry (Libiamo) and Let me live the life I want to (Sempre Libera) – an emotionally charged bravura showstopper sung by Violetta.

In ENO’s Olivier Award-nominated production, the opulence and excess are stripped away to reveal the beating heart of the drama. Framed by cascading red curtains and a single chair, this minimalist approach focuses attention on the characters’ emotional truth, making Violetta’s journey feel startlingly modern and real.

Singers and creatives

Returning to ENO following her acclaimed portrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots (2025), Heidi Stober steps into the shoes of Violetta, with Alison Langer performing as Violetta on 3 and 5 March. Egor Zhuravskii, winner of the Mozart Prize at Tenor Viñas 2025, sings Alfredo. David Stout, beloved for his Papageno in ENO’s The Magic Flute (2024) sings Germont.

Conducting one of operas most iconic and romantic scores is Kevin John Edusei. While Revival director PJ Harris returns to ENO following the award-winning production of La bohème at Alexandra Palace.

This production has been made possible through the generous support of a syndicate comprising Vincent Mercer & Mrs Anzo Francis.