LA TRAVIATA
Opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
August 19, 2024, Closing Night of the NurOpera Festival & Academy
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one interval.
Act I - 75 minutes
Interval - 30 minutes
Act II - 60 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - Migran Agadzhanyan
Violetta Valéry - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Alfredo Germont - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Giorgio Germont - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Flora Bervoix - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Gastone - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Barone Douphol - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Marchese d’Obigny - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Annina - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Giuseppe - N.N. (ANOBT)
Dottore - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Un domestico di Flora - N.N. (ANOBT)
Un Commissionario - N.N. (ANOBT)
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus .- Chorus of ANOBT
Synopsis
Act I
Paris
Violetta, a courtesan of renown desire, is hosting a lavish party with the upper-class gentlemen of Paris and her fellow courtesans, all funded by her admiring patron, Baron Douphol. Amidst the champagne, she is introduced to a middle-class gentleman, Alfredo Germont, who has been in love with her for over a year – since, we learn, her illness began. Alfredo is pressured to make a toast in which Violetta joins him, urging everyone to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of life. As the guests retire to other rooms, Violetta suddenly grows ill. While left alone with Violetta, Alfredo protests his love – which she discourages at first, but then accepts in a sudden reversal. As dawn breaks, the gentlemen must all go home, and Violetta is left alone to contemplate the idea of having a true love for herself. Instead, she resolves to plunge herself headlong into the vortex of hollow pleasures that make up her existence.
Act II
Scene 1: A house in the country, three months later
Violetta and Alfredo are now living together in the idyllic countryside. When Alfredo learns from her servant Annina that Violetta has sold her possessions to support the life they lead, he returns to the city to raise the necessary funds. In his absence, Violetta receives an unexpected visit from Alfredo’s father. He begs her to end their relationship, otherwise his daughter’s marriage into a respectable family will be threatened. After a relentless breakdown of her character, Violetta agrees to sacrifice her love – despite it breaking her will to live. Germont leaves and Violetta writes a farewell note to Alfredo: she will return to the city and Douphol’s patronage. Alfredo returns, and Violetta arranges for him to be given the note after she has gone. When he reads it, he refuses the consolation of his father (who has been watching from nearby), and rushes back to the city to avenge himself.
Scene 2: Paris, that same night
A party is in progress, enlivened by a masque of gypsies and bullfighters. Alfredo appears alone and witnesses Violetta on the arm of Douphol. The two men play an aggressive round of cards which Alfredo wins. When she has an opportunity, Violetta speaks to Alfredo alone and begs him to leave and avoid a deadly fight with Douphol; pressed by Alfredo, she maintains her promise to Alfredo’s father and tells Alfredo that she loves Douphol. In a fury, Alfredo summons the guests to witness the repayment of his debts as he flings his winnings at her. Germont enters in time to witness his son’s outburst and shames him. Alfredo must leave the party – and Violetta.
Act III
Violetta’s bedroom, a few months later
The doctor tells Annina that her mistress will soon die. Violetta instructs Annina to give what little money they have left to the poor, and re-reads a letter from Germont telling her that Alfredo now knows of her sacrifice and is returning to beg her forgiveness. She believes it is now too late for a reunion with Alfredo. She bids farewell to all her hopes and prays to be released from this suffering. The sounds of a carnival in the street summon false hopes of Alfredo’s return. Then, to her astonishment, Alfredo returns to hold his beloved. Germont arrives to give his blessing, full of remorse at the pain he has caused. But it is too late.
ADRIANA LECOUVREUR
Opera in four acts by Francesco Cilea to an Italian libretto by Arturo Colautti, based on the 1849 play by Eugène Scribe and Ernest Legouvé
August 4, 2024
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 3 hours 20 minutes, including two intervals.
Act I, Act II - 85 minutes
Interval - 25 minutes
Act III - 30 minutes
Interval - 20 minutes
Act IV - 40 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - Migran Agadzhanyan
Adriana Lecouvreur - Veronika Dzhioeva
Maurizio - N.N.
Princess de Bouillon - Ksenia Dudnikova
Prince de Bouillon - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
The Abbé de Chazeuil - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Michonnet - Vladislav Sulimsky
Mlle Jouvenot - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Mlle Dangeville - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Poisson - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Quinault - (NurOpera Academy)
Major-domo - (NurOpera Academy)
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus - Chorus of ANOBT
SYNOPSIS
Place: Paris, France
Time: 1730
Act I
Backstage at the Comédie-Française
The company is preparing for a performance and bustling around Michonnet, the stage manager. The Prince de Bouillon, admirer and patron of the actress Duclos, is also seen backstage with his companion, the Abbé. Adriana enters, reciting, and replies to the others' praise with 'Io son l'umile ancella' ("I am the humble servant of the creative spirit"). Left alone with Adriana, Michonnet wants to express his love for her. However, Adriana explains that she already has a lover: Maurizio, a soldier of the Count of Saxony. Maurizio enters and declares his love for Adriana, 'La dolcissima effigie.' They agree to meet that night, and Adriana gives him some violets to put in his buttonhole. The Prince and the Abbé return. They have intercepted a letter from Duclos, in which she requests a meeting with Maurizio later that evening at the Prince's villa. The Prince, hoping to expose the tryst, decides to invite the entire troupe there after the performance. On receiving Duclos's letter, Maurizio cancels his appointment with Adriana, who in turn opts to join the Prince's party.
Act II
A villa by the Seine
The Princess de Bouillon, not the actress Duclos (who was only acting as her proxy), is anxiously waiting for Maurizio ("Acerba voluttà, dolce tortura"). When Maurizio enters, she sees the violets and asks how he came by them. Maurizio presents them to her, but confesses that he no longer loves her. She deduces that he loves someone else, but soon she's forced to hide when the Prince and the Abbé suddenly arrive. Maurizio realizes that they think he is with Duclos. Adriana enters and learns that Maurizio isn't a soldier at all, but the disguised Count of Saxony himself. He tells Adriana the assignation was political, and that they must arrange the escape of a woman who is in hiding nearby. Adriana trusts him and agrees to help. During the intermezzo that follows, the house is darkened, and Adriana tells the Princess that this is her opportunity to escape. However, the two women are mutually suspicious, and the rescue attempt turns into a blazing quarrel before the Princess finally leaves. Michonnet, the stage manager, discovers a bracelet dropped by the Princess, which he gives to Adriana.
Act III
The Hôtel de Bouillon
The Princess is desperate to discover the identity of her rival. The Prince, who has an interest in chemistry, is storing a powerful poison that the government has asked him to analyze. The couple host a reception, at which guests note the arrival of Michonnet and Adriana. The Princess thinks she recognizes the latter's voice, and announces that Maurizio has been wounded in a duel. Adriana faints. Soon afterwards, however, when Maurizio enters uninjured, Adriana is ecstatic. He sings of his war exploits ("Il russo Mencikoff"). A ballet is performed: the 'Judgement of Paris.' Adriana learns that the bracelet Michonnet found belongs to the Princess. Realizing that they are rivals for Maurizio's affection, the Princess and Adriana challenge each other. When the former pointedly suggests that Adriana should recite a scene from 'Ariadne Abandoned', the Prince asks instead for a scene from 'Phèdre'. Adriana uses the final lines of the text to make a headstrong attack on the Princess, who swears to have her revenge.
Act IV
A room in Adriana's house
It's Adriana's name day, and Michonnet is waiting in her home for her to awaken. Adriana is consumed with anger and jealousy. Her colleagues come to visit, bringing her gifts and trying to persuade her to return to the stage. One of these gifts is a diamond necklace, recovered by Michonnet, which Adriana had pawned to help pay off Maurizio's debts. A small casket arrives. It contains a note from Maurizio, along with the violets Adriana had given him at the theater. Adriana, hurt, kisses the flowers ("Poveri fiori") and throws them into the fire. Maurizio enters, hoping to marry her. They embrace, and he notices that she's shaking. She quickly becomes deranged, and Michonnet and Maurizio - who'd presented the violets to the Princess - realize that Adriana has been poisoned. For a moment, she becomes lucid again ("Ecco la luce"), then dies.
Opera in four acts, composed by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, based on Scènes de la vie de bohème (1851) by Henri Murger
August 7, 2024
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 2 hours 35 minutes, including one intervals.
Act I - 40 minutes
Act II - 20 minutes
Interval - 30 minutes
Act III - 30 minutes
Act IV - 35 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - Arman Tigranyan
Marcello - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Rodolfo - N.N.
Colline - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Schaunard - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Hansung - N.N.
Benoît - N.N.
Mimì - N.N.
Parpignol - N.N.
Musetta - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Alcindoro - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Customs Officer - N.N.
Sergeant - N.N.
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus - Chorus of ANOBT
Christmas Eve revellers, Bohemians, waiters, street sweepers, milkmaids, peasant women, children
Actors, Extra Chorus
Synopsis
The opera is set in Paris
Act I
An attic in the Latin Quarter, Christmas Eve
Paris, in the 1830s. In their Latin Quarter garret, the near-destitute artist Marcello and poet Rodolfo try to keep warm on Christmas Eve by feeding the stove with pages from Rodolfo’s latest drama. They are soon joined by their roommates—Colline, a philosopher, and Schaunard, a musician, who brings food, fuel, and funds he has collected from an eccentric nobleman. While they celebrate their unexpected fortune, the landlord, Benoit, comes to collect the rent. After getting the older man drunk, the friends urge him to tell of his flirtations, then throw him out in mock indignation at his infidelity to his wife. As the others depart to revel at the Café Momus, Rodolfo remains behind to finish an article, promising to join them later. There is another knock at the door—the visitor is Mimì, a pretty neighbor, whose candle has gone out in the stairwell. As she enters the room, she suddenly feels faint. Rodolfo gives her a sip of wine, then helps her to the door and relights her candle. Mimì realizes that she lost her key when she fainted, and as the two search for it, both candles go out. Rodolfo finds the key and slips it into his pocket. In the moonlight, he takes Mimì’s hand and tells her about his dreams. She recounts her life alone in a lofty garret, embroidering flowers and waiting for the spring. Rodolfo’s friends call from outside, telling him to join them. He responds that he is not alone and will be along shortly. Happy to have found each other, Mimì and Rodolfo leave, arm in arm, for the café.
Act II
The Latin Quarter
Amid the shouts of street hawkers near the Café Momus, Rodolfo buys Mimì a bonnet and introduces her to his friends. They all sit down and order supper. The toy vendor Parpignol passes by, besieged by children. Marcello’s former sweetheart, Musetta, makes a noisy entrance on the arm of the elderly, but wealthy, Alcindoro. The ensuing tumult reaches its peak when, trying to gain Marcello’s attention, she loudly sings the praises of her own popularity. Sending Alcindoro away to buy her a new pair of shoes, Musetta finally falls into Marcello’s arms. Soldiers march by the café, and as the bohemians fall in behind, the returning Alcindoro is presented with the check.
Act III
Outside the Barrière d’Enfer
At dawn at the Barrière d’Enfer, a toll-gate on the edge of Paris, a customs official admits farm women to the city. Guests are heard drinking and singing within a tavern. Mimì arrives, searching for the place where Marcello and Musetta now live. When the painter appears, she tells him of her distress over Rodolfo’s incessant jealousy. She says she believes it is best that they part. As Rodolfo emerges from the tavern, Mimì hides nearby. Rodolfo tells Marcello that he wants to separate from Mimì, blaming her flirtatiousness. Pressed for the real reason, he breaks down, saying that her illness can only grow worse in the poverty they share. Overcome with emotion, Mimì comes forward to say goodbye to her lover. Marcello runs back into the tavern upon hearing Musetta’s laughter. While Mimì and Rodolfo recall past happiness, Marcello returns with Musetta, quarreling about her flirting with a customer. They hurl insults at each other and part, but Mimì and Rodolfo decide to remain together until springtime.
Act IV
The attic, autumn
Months later in the garret, Rodolfo and Marcello, now separated from their girlfriends, reflect on their loneliness. Colline and Schaunard bring a meager meal. To lighten their spirits, the four stage a dance, which turns into a mock duel. At the height of the hilarity, Musetta bursts in with news that Mimì is outside, too weak to come upstairs. As Rodolfo runs to her aid, Musetta relates how Mimì begged to be taken to Rodolfo to die. She is made as comfortable as possible, while Musetta asks Marcello to sell her earrings for medicine and Colline goes off to pawn his overcoat. Left alone, Mimì and Rodolfo recall their meeting and their first happy days, but she is seized with violent coughing. When the others return, Musetta gives Mimì a muff to warm her hands, and Mimì slowly drifts into unconsciousness. Musetta prays for Mimì, but it is too late. The friends realize that she is dead, and Rodolfo collapses in despair.
TURANDOT
Lyric drama in three acts and five scenes by Giacomo Puccini to a libretto in Italian by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni
August 14, 2024
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 2 hours 55 minutes, including two intervals.
Act I - 40 minutes
Interval - 25 minutes
Act II - 45 minutes
Interval - 20 minutes
Act III - 45 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - Karen Durgaryan
Princess Turandot - Maria Guleghina (Meytargian)
Calaf - Hovhannes Ayvazyan
Liù - Juliana Grigoryan
Timur - N.N.
Ping - N.N.
Pang - N.N.
Pong - N.N.
Emperor Altoum - N.N.
Mandarin - N.N.
Soprano Solo 1 - N.N.
Soprano Solo 2 - N.N.
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus - Chorus of ANOBT
Guards, executioner’s men, Turandot’s ladies, phantoms, wise men, heralds, soldiers, populace
Children, Extra Chorus, Dancers, Actors
Synopsis
Act I
Princess Turandot of China has sworn an oath that no man will possess her. However, she offers her suitors a chance: if one of them can answer correctly the three riddles which she asks him, he can marry her. If not, he must die. Inside the walls of Peking, a crowd wait for the execution of the Prince of Persia, who has failed the test of the riddles. As the guards push back the excited people, a blind old man falls, and is helped up by his companion, a young girl. A young man comes to help them and recognizes the blind man as the exiled King Timur of Tartary. He reveals himself as Timur’s son Calaf, who was separated from his father after the loss of their kingdom. Timur’s companion is Liù, a former slave, who has cared for him since their exile. It becomes clear that Liù cares deeply for Calaf. The Prince of Persia is led in by the servants of the executioner. Turandot arrives to confirm the Prince’s death. Calaf is horrified, but, as soon as he sees the Princess, is captivated by her beauty. Despite the warnings of the ministers Ping, Pong and Pang, he vows to win Turandot himself. Liù implores him to leave with her and Timur (Signore, ascolta). Calaf tries to console her (Non piangere, Liù) but remains determined, and strikes the gong to signal his intention to woo the Princess.
Act II
Ping, Pong and Pang complain about the endless executions caused by Turandot’s obstinacy. Each longs to leave Peking for the peace of his country home. Wise men arrive holding the scrolls containing the answers to Turandot’s riddles. Calaf, calling himself the ‘Unknown Prince’, is brought before Turandot’s father, the Emperor Altoum. The Emperor begs the ‘Unknown Prince’ to leave, and explains how he must die if he fails to answer Turandot’s riddles correctly. Calaf remains obstinate. Turandot arrives for the test of the riddles. She explains the reason for her cruelty (In questa reggia). Many centuries before, her ancestress Princess Lo-u-Ling was raped and killed by an invader. Turandot sees herself as the reincarnation of Lo-u-Ling and has therefore vowed that no one will possess her. The riddles are her one concession. She reminds Calaf that their outcome has so far always been death. Calaf insists on attempting to solve the riddles. Turandot asks him: what is the ghost which all the world invokes and is constantly renewed; what flickers like a flame when a man dreams of conquest; what is frost that burns, that makes a king of the one it accepts as a slave? Encouraged by the crowd, Calaf correctly answers: Hope! Blood! Turandot! Turandot is now his. But Calaf does not wish the Princess to give herself to him unwillingly, and therefore proposes another test. Turandot does not know his name – if she can discover it during the night, he is prepared to die at dawn. If not, he will possess her.
Act III
Calaf awaits dawn, while the voices of heralds announce that no one in Peking shall sleep until the name of the ‘Unknown Prince’ has been discovered. Calaf is confident that he will win Turandot (Nessun dorma). Ping, Pong and Pang attempt to get him to leave, offering him beautiful women, riches and glory if he renounces Turandot. Calaf remains firm, to the annoyance of the ministers and the rage of the crowd, who begin to threaten him. Timur and Liù have been discovered and are dragged in. They were seen with Calaf the day before and are suspected of knowing his name. Turandot is summoned, and orders Liù to be tortured until she reveals the identity of the ‘Unknown Prince’. Liù explains to Turandot that she can bear the torture due to her love of the stranger (Tu, che di gel sei cinta). Still refusing to reveal his name, she kills herself. Timur and the crowd lament her death and carry her body away. Calaf and Turandot are left alone, and Calaf accuses Turandot of inhumanity. To begin with, she is cold and unyielding, but finally she succumbs to Calaf’s embrace. Still not wishing Turandot to marry him unwillingly, Calaf tells her his name and places himself in her power. Turandot summons the Emperor and people, and proudly declares that she now knows the name of the foreigner. It is Love, she states. As Calaf and Turandot embrace, the crowd rejoices.
OTELLO
Lyric drama in four by Giuseppe Verdi to an Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on Shakespeare's play Othello.
August 11, 2024
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 3 hours 10 minutes, including one interval.
Acts I and II - 75 minutes
Interval - 30 minutes
Acts III and IV - 85 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - Migran Agadzhanyan
Montano - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Cassio - Roman Khnkoyan
Iago - Gevorg Hakobyan
Roderigo - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Otello - Hovhannes Ayvazyan
Desdemona - Liana Aleksanyan
Emilia - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Herald - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Lodovico - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Orchestra - Orchestra of the Armenian National Opera Theatre
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus - Chorus of ANOBT
Children, Actors, Extra Chorus
Synopsis
The action takes place on the island of Cyprus at the end of the 15th century.
Act I
During a storm, Cypriots anxiously wait for their governor Otello, who has led his forces into a naval battle against the Turks. Otello arrives, victorious.
The Venetian Roderigo is in love with Otello’s wife Desdemona; Iago, who secretly hates Otello, offers to help Roderigo. Iago plies Cassio with wine and needles Roderigo into picking a fight with Cassio. The outgoing governor Montano calls Cassio to guard duty and is shocked to find him drunk. Cassio attacks Montano and Roderigo. Otello arrives and stops the fight, stripping Cassio of his captaincy.
Alone, Otello and Desdemona enjoy the peaceful evening, exult in their happiness and kiss.
Act II
Iago urges Cassio to ask Desdemona to intercede for him with Otello. Alone, Iago rejoices in his own malignity. Iago tells Otello that he worries about Cassio’s friendship with Desdemona. Otello initially refuses to believe him, but becomes suspicious when Desdemona pleads for Cassio’s pardon. Desdemona offers to bind her husband’s aching head with her handkerchief, but he throws it to the ground. Emilia picks it up and Iago takes it from her.
Otello demands proof from Iago of Desdemona’s infidelity. Iago tells him that he heard Cassio talking in his sleep about Desdemona, and has seen him with her embroidered handkerchief. Otello is now certain of his wife’s guilt, and he and Iago vow vengeance.
Act III
Desdemona again pleads for Cassio’s pardon. Otello becomes agitated and demands that she bind his aching head with her embroidered handkerchief. Desdemona explains that she doesn’t have it. Otello accuses her outright of infidelity and, alone, collapses in despair.
Iago persuades Otello to hide, then gossips with Cassio about the latter’s mistress, Bianca. Otello mistakenly believes they are discussing Desdemona. Cassio confides that he has found a woman’s handkerchief in his lodgings, and produces Desdemona’s (planted by Iago). Otello decides that Desdemona must die.
The crowd hail Otello and the Venetian emissaries. Otello reads out a decree from the Venetian Doge: he and Desdemona are to return to Venice, and Cassio will become governor. When Otello turns on Desdemona she becomes distraught, and the crowd pity her. Meanwhile, Iago promises to arrange Cassio’s death and orders Roderigo to murder him.
Otello commands everyone to leave, and curses his wife. Imagining Desdemona and Cassio embracing he collapses in a fit as the crowd hail the ‘Lion of Venice’.
Act IV
Desdemona sings the Willow Song that she learnt from her mother’s maid. She feels a presentiment of her own death, prays and finally falls sleep.
Otello wakes his wife with a kiss. He demands she confess her adultery before he kills her. Desdemona insists on her innocence, but Otello refuses to listen, and smothers her. Emilia arrives with the news that Cassio has killed Roderigo, and to hear Desdemona protest her innocence as she dies. Cassio, Montano and Iago arrive with soldiers. Emilia, Cassio and Montano reveal how Iago deceived Otello, and Iago flees. Full of remorse for what he has done to Desdemona, Otello stabs himself. As he dies he begs Desdemona for one more kiss.
ACADEMY - GALA CONCERT
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 2 hours 55 minutes, including two intervals.
LA TRAVIATA
Opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
August 17, 2024
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one interval.
Act I - 75 minutes
Interval - 30 minutes
Act II - 60 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Violetta Valéry - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Alfredo Germont - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Giorgio Germont - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Flora Bervoix - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Gastone - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Barone Douphol - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Marchese d’Obigny - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Annina - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Giuseppe - N.N. (ANOBT)
Dottore - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Un domestico di Flora - N.N. (ANOBT)
Un Commissionario - N.N. (ANOBT)
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus .- Chorus of ANOBT
Synopsis
Act I
Paris
Violetta, a courtesan of renown desire, is hosting a lavish party with the upper-class gentlemen of Paris and her fellow courtesans, all funded by her admiring patron, Baron Douphol. Amidst the champagne, she is introduced to a middle-class gentleman, Alfredo Germont, who has been in love with her for over a year – since, we learn, her illness began. Alfredo is pressured to make a toast in which Violetta joins him, urging everyone to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of life. As the guests retire to other rooms, Violetta suddenly grows ill. While left alone with Violetta, Alfredo protests his love – which she discourages at first, but then accepts in a sudden reversal. As dawn breaks, the gentlemen must all go home, and Violetta is left alone to contemplate the idea of having a true love for herself. Instead, she resolves to plunge herself headlong into the vortex of hollow pleasures that make up her existence.
Act II
Scene 1: A house in the country, three months later
Violetta and Alfredo are now living together in the idyllic countryside. When Alfredo learns from her servant Annina that Violetta has sold her possessions to support the life they lead, he returns to the city to raise the necessary funds. In his absence, Violetta receives an unexpected visit from Alfredo’s father. He begs her to end their relationship, otherwise his daughter’s marriage into a respectable family will be threatened. After a relentless breakdown of her character, Violetta agrees to sacrifice her love – despite it breaking her will to live. Germont leaves and Violetta writes a farewell note to Alfredo: she will return to the city and Douphol’s patronage. Alfredo returns, and Violetta arranges for him to be given the note after she has gone. When he reads it, he refuses the consolation of his father (who has been watching from nearby), and rushes back to the city to avenge himself.
Scene 2: Paris, that same night
A party is in progress, enlivened by a masque of gypsies and bullfighters. Alfredo appears alone and witnesses Violetta on the arm of Douphol. The two men play an aggressive round of cards which Alfredo wins. When she has an opportunity, Violetta speaks to Alfredo alone and begs him to leave and avoid a deadly fight with Douphol; pressed by Alfredo, she maintains her promise to Alfredo’s father and tells Alfredo that she loves Douphol. In a fury, Alfredo summons the guests to witness the repayment of his debts as he flings his winnings at her. Germont enters in time to witness his son’s outburst and shames him. Alfredo must leave the party – and Violetta.
Act III
Violetta’s bedroom, a few months later
The doctor tells Annina that her mistress will soon die. Violetta instructs Annina to give what little money they have left to the poor, and re-reads a letter from Germont telling her that Alfredo now knows of her sacrifice and is returning to beg her forgiveness. She believes it is now too late for a reunion with Alfredo. She bids farewell to all her hopes and prays to be released from this suffering. The sounds of a carnival in the street summon false hopes of Alfredo’s return. Then, to her astonishment, Alfredo returns to hold his beloved. Germont arrives to give his blessing, full of remorse at the pain he has caused. But it is too late.
LA TRAVIATA
Opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
August 18, 2024
APPROXIMATE TIMINGS
The performance lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one interval.
Act I - 75 minutes
Interval - 30 minutes
Act II - 60 minutes
ARMENIAN NATIONAL OPERA THEATRE
Patron - Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of RA
Opera and Music Director - Karen Durgaryan
CAST
Conducted by - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Violetta Valéry - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Alfredo Germont - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Giorgio Germont - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Flora Bervoix - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Gastone - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Barone Douphol - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Marchese d’Obigny - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Annina - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Giuseppe - N.N. (ANOBT)
Dottore - N.N. (NurOpera Academy)
Un domestico di Flora - N.N. (ANOBT)
Un Commissionario - N.N. (ANOBT)
Orchestra - Orchestra of ANOBT
Chorus .- Chorus of ANOBT
SYNOPSIS
Act I
Paris
Violetta, a courtesan of renown desire, is hosting a lavish party with the upper-class gentlemen of Paris and her fellow courtesans, all funded by her admiring patron, Baron Douphol. Amidst the champagne, she is introduced to a middle-class gentleman, Alfredo Germont, who has been in love with her for over a year – since, we learn, her illness began. Alfredo is pressured to make a toast in which Violetta joins him, urging everyone to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of life. As the guests retire to other rooms, Violetta suddenly grows ill. While left alone with Violetta, Alfredo protests his love – which she discourages at first, but then accepts in a sudden reversal. As dawn breaks, the gentlemen must all go home, and Violetta is left alone to contemplate the idea of having a true love for herself. Instead, she resolves to plunge herself headlong into the vortex of hollow pleasures that make up her existence.
Act II
Scene 1: A house in the country, three months later
Violetta and Alfredo are now living together in the idyllic countryside. When Alfredo learns from her servant Annina that Violetta has sold her possessions to support the life they lead, he returns to the city to raise the necessary funds. In his absence, Violetta receives an unexpected visit from Alfredo’s father. He begs her to end their relationship, otherwise his daughter’s marriage into a respectable family will be threatened. After a relentless breakdown of her character, Violetta agrees to sacrifice her love – despite it breaking her will to live. Germont leaves and Violetta writes a farewell note to Alfredo: she will return to the city and Douphol’s patronage. Alfredo returns, and Violetta arranges for him to be given the note after she has gone. When he reads it, he refuses the consolation of his father (who has been watching from nearby), and rushes back to the city to avenge himself.
Scene 2: Paris, that same night
A party is in progress, enlivened by a masque of gypsies and bullfighters. Alfredo appears alone and witnesses Violetta on the arm of Douphol. The two men play an aggressive round of cards which Alfredo wins. When she has an opportunity, Violetta speaks to Alfredo alone and begs him to leave and avoid a deadly fight with Douphol; pressed by Alfredo, she maintains her promise to Alfredo’s father and tells Alfredo that she loves Douphol. In a fury, Alfredo summons the guests to witness the repayment of his debts as he flings his winnings at her. Germont enters in time to witness his son’s outburst and shames him. Alfredo must leave the party – and Violetta.
Act III
Violetta’s bedroom, a few months later
The doctor tells Annina that her mistress will soon die. Violetta instructs Annina to give what little money they have left to the poor, and re-reads a letter from Germont telling her that Alfredo now knows of her sacrifice and is returning to beg her forgiveness. She believes it is now too late for a reunion with Alfredo. She bids farewell to all her hopes and prays to be released from this suffering. The sounds of a carnival in the street summon false hopes of Alfredo’s return. Then, to her astonishment, Alfredo returns to hold his beloved. Germont arrives to give his blessing, full of remorse at the pain he has caused. But it is too late.