The best of La Traviata
Tivoli Copenhagen Phil
Conductor: Henrik Schaefer
Soloists: Serena Sáenz, soprano
Leonardo Capalbo, tenor
Mattia Olivieri, baritone
Narrator: Mathias Hammer
Programme:
Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901): Excerpts from La traviata (1853)
Verdi’s masterpiece about the passionate yet terminally ill Violetta has long been one of the world’s most beloved operas. With its stunning tableaux, exquisite orchestral music, and iconic arias, the story takes us on a profound journey through a woman’s struggle to break free from societal expectations—at a time when such defiance was far from accepted.
This operatic concert distils Verdi’s tragic tale into an intense and deeply moving performance, featuring only the three principal characters: Violetta, Alfredo, and his father, Giorgio. Together, they embody the heart of this poignant love story, which concludes in devastating tragedy. A timeless masterpiece, La traviata explores the depths of human emotion, posing a profound question: Is sacrificing your own happiness for another person ever justified? Violetta, a courtesan with a noble heart, chooses to give up her unexpected joy in a quiet country home to preserve the honour of Alfredo’s family.
With this story, Verdi challenges societal perceptions of a free-thinking, free-loving woman, igniting controversy in his own time. The opera was criticised not only for its portrayal of sexual morality but also because its real-life inspiration, Paris’s most renowned courtesan, Marie Duplessis, had died just a few years prior to its premiere. Despite this, the musical brilliance of La traviata has never been questioned – and rightly so. From the opening, ethereal chords of the overture played by the high strings, Verdi holds us firmly in his musical grip.
A concert performance like this allows us to focus entirely on Verdi’s extraordinary orchestration, immersing ourselves in the opulent beauty crafted by one of opera’s greatest masters.
While this concert may not feature a grand chorus, dazzling dance sequences, or lavish stage design, we are confident that, with three exceptional soloists and the expert guidance of Mathias Hammer, the poignant beauty of this tragic story will shine through. Ultimately, the graceful and resilient Violetta succumbs to tuberculosis, passing away in the arms of her beloved Alfredo, just moments after they are reunited in love and forgiveness.
Get ready to shed a tear and feel the goosebumps as Tivoli brings Violetta’s heartrending tale vividly to life once more.
The concert is presented in collaboration with the Copenhagen Opera Festival.
Showtimes
Tivoli Concert Hall
195 - DKK 495
Tivoli entrance included and service fee included
Practical Information
Your concert visit
Venue
The Tivoli Concert Hall.
Opening hours in The Tivoli Concert Hall
The doors a half an hour before the start of the concert.
Duration of the concert
Approx. 2 hours, including intermission.
Bars/Restaurants
The bars in The Concert Hall are open before the concert and in the intermission. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to dine at one of Tivoli's many restaurants before the concert.
Guests with Disabilities
Wheelchair spaces and companion seats can only be purchased by contacting Tivoli Box Office in person or by calling +45 33 15 10 01.
Transport/Parking
Tivoli is located by “Rådhuspladsen” and Copenhagen Central Station. Find more information about public transport here or plan your journey with www.Rejseplanen.dk. If you are arriving at Tivoli by car and have a Tivoli Card, you can get a discount on parking.