Anna Netrebko as Violetta in St. Petersburg in 1994

Anna Netrebko as Violetta while she still was at the Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory in 1994. The performance was sung in Russian.

LA TRAVIATA
Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, 1994
Sung in Russian

Violetta: Anna Netrebko
Afredo: Alex Kostiuk
Giorgio Germont: Anatoly Buyanov

Stage Director: David Kosakovsky

VIDEO

Anna Netrebko at the ROH's 2011-2012 season

The Rotal Opera House, Covent Garden has provided a press release providing some partial information about the new 2011-2012 season.

Anna Netrebko will return to Covent Garden to sing the iconic role of Violetta Valéry in the classical Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's masterpiece "La Traviata".

Three casts are scheduled. The first cast (30 September) features Marina Poplavskaya as Violetta, James Valenti as Alfredo and Leo Nucci as Giorgio Germont. The second (25 November) features Ailyn Pérez as Violetta, Piotr Beczala as Alfredo and Simon Keenlyside as Giorgio Germont. In the third (2 January) Ermonela Jaho and Anna Netrebko share the role of Violetta, Stephen Costello and Vittorio Grigolo share the role of Alfredo and Paolo Gavanelli sings Giorgio Germont.

The dates for the performances featuring the third cast are 2., 6., 9., 17., 20., 23. and 25. January 2012.

According to the information provided by Bachtrack, Anna Netrebko would only sing two performances, on 17. and 20. Jan 2012 and Stephen Costello would be Alfredo in both performances. The conductor would be Maurizio Benini.

La Traviata, ROH, London 17. Jan 2012 – Anna Netrebko (Violetta Valéry), Stephen Costello (Alfredo Germont), Paolo Gavanelli (Giorgio Germont), NN (Baron Douphol), NN (Doctor Grenvil), Justina Gringyte (Flora Bervoix), Jeremy White (Marquis d’Obigny), NN (Gastone), NN (Annina); Richard Eyre (Production), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Maurizio Benini 

La Traviata, ROH, London 20. Jan 2012 – Anna Netrebko (Violetta Valéry), Stephen Costello (Alfredo Germont), Paolo Gavanelli (Giorgio Germont), NN (Baron Douphol), NN (Doctor Grenvil), Justina Gringyte (Flora Bervoix), Jeremy White (Marquis d’Obigny), NN (Gastone), NN (Annina); Richard Eyre (Production), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Maurizio Benini

Check out the last updated version of Anna Netrebko's 2011-2012 season.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Anna Netrebko, Maurizio Benini and Jonas Kaufmann in Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata" at the ROH on 26. Jan 2008. Photo: Olga

Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Anna Netrebko in Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata" at the ROH on 26. Jan 2008. Photo: Olga

James Valenti: Netrebko is a force of nature!

Yesterday it was the last performance of the Royal Opera Tour to Japan. The tour ended with Verdi's "La Traviata" in Tokyo, starring Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valery, James Valenti as Alfredo Germont and Simon Keenlyside as Giorgio Germont. Maestro Antonio Pappano conducted the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Talking about this last performance, James Valenti wrote in his Facebook page:

"We had a truly transcendental performance last night. La Netrebko is a force of nature! I feel so lucky to have shared the stage with such esteemed colleagues. The public went crazy! A wonderful way to end our tour".

Anna Netrebko in "La Traviata" for the final performance of the Royal Opera Tour to Japan

The Royal Opera is currently making a Tour to Japan, visiting Tokyo and Yokohama, with two opera productions: this season's new Laurent Pelly's production of Massenet's "Manon" and the classical Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata".

Anna Netrebko has been singing the title role of Masenet's "Manon" in all of the four performances scheduled on 11., 14., 17. and 20. September 2010 at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Opposite Anna Netrebko was Matthew Polenzani as Chevalier des Grieux. Music Director Antonio Pappano has been conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Angela Gheorghiu was initially scheduled to sing the role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata", but she had to withdraw from the tour due to her daughter's unexpected surgery. Royal Opera quickly researched all possibilities, including Anna Netrebko, to replace her.

Obviously, it would be impossible for her to appear in all performances as she was already singing the title role of Manon in the Japan tour and she usually has two days rest between performances, but agreed it might be possible for her to appear in just the last Traviata performance if she felt in good condition after her last Manon.

Meanwhile, the Royal Opera was able to secure Ermonela Jaho. However, Ermonela Jaho was suffering from a sudden allergy and had to withdraw after the first act at the first and third performances.

The Royal Opera made a request to Anna Netrebko once again, after Ermonela's second withdrawal. Today, with her confirmation, the Royal Opera is very pleased to announce Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valéry for the final performance of the Royal Opera's Japan Tour on 22. September 2010.

La Traviata, Royal Opera Tour to Japan, NHK Hall, Tokyo 22. Sep 2010 – Anna Netrebko (Violetta Valéry), James Valenti (Alfredo Germont), Simon Keenlyside (Giorgio Germont), Adrian Clarke (Baron Douphol), Richard Wiegold (Doctor Grenvil), Kai Rüütel (Flora Bervoix), Changhan Lim (Marquis d’Obigny), Ji-Min Park (Gastone), Sarah Pring (Annina); Richard Eyre (Production), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Antonio Pappano

The Royal Opera announces a tour to Japan in September 2010

The Royal Opera announces that they will embark on a tour to Japan in September 2010, performing both in Tokyo and Yokohama. The Royal Opera will take Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata" and this season's new production of Massenet's "Manon" by Laurent Pelly. Music Director Antonio Pappano will conduct eight opera performances.

The cast for "La Traviata" features Angela Gheorghiu as Violetta, James Valenti as Alfredo Germont and Simon Keenlyside as Giorgio Germont. Four performances are scheduled, one in Yokohama on 12. September 2010 and three in Tokyo on 16., 19. and 22. Sep 2010.

The cast for "Manon" features Anna Netrebko in the title role and Matthew Polenzani as Le Chevalier des Grieux. Four performances are scheduled on 11., 14., 17. and 20. September 2010, all of them in Tokyo.

Related posts
Anna Netrebko | 2010-2011 Season

La Traviata, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco 28. Jun 2009

La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
Francesco Maria Piave

War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Sunday 28. June 2009


Production
Conductor: Donald Runnicles
Director and Designer: Marta Domingo*
Choreographer: Kitty McNamee
Chorus Director: Ian Robertson
Lighting Designer: Mark McCullough

Cast
Violetta Valéry: Anna Netrebko
Alfredo Germont: Charles Castronovo
Giorgio Germont: Dwayne Croft
Flora: Leann Sandel-Pantaleo*
Gastone: Andrew Bidlack
Baron Douphol: Dale Travis
Marquis D’Obigny: Austin Kness
Grenvil: Kenneth Kellogg
Annina: Renée Tatum*
Giuseppe: Dale Tracy
Messenger: Bojan Knezevic
Flora’s Servant: William Pickersgill
Matador: Jekyns Pelaez*

Orchestra and Chorus of the San Francisco Opera

About the Opera
Overview
Synopsis
The Traviata Saga

On-line Press Reports
Anna Netrebko's glamorous closing of her "La Traviata" at SFO with two hour CD signing - Cindy Warner, San Francisco Opera Examiner, 30. June 2009 [English]
Anna Netrebko, after her final performance of La Traviata in San Francisco - The Opera Maniac [English] [Photos]
Runnicles’ Conducting, Netrebko’s Glamorous Violetta Inspire San Francisco Opera “Traviata” – June 28, 2009 - Opera Warhorses, 2. July 2009 [English]

Reviews
Our blog friend Howard attended this performance of La Traviata and he kindly wrote the following report for the blog:

On a very noisy and crowed day in San Francisco on the occasion of the "Gay Pride Celebration" there was a gem of a La Traviata production taking place in the War Memorial Opera House that was novel and breathtaking.

During a pre-concert lecture, it was stressed that in Verdi, the music is the underpinning only to support the singer. Several selections from an old production with Monserrat Caballé and Plácido Domingo were played to introduce the audience to this early gem by Verdi. The lecturer pointed out how unique Netrebko is in her ability to paint her voice to express the inner feelings and mood of Violetta and how this changes throughout the opera.

While the cast with Dwayne Croft as Giorgio Germont was superb, Charles Castronovo as Alfredo Germont (improved as production progressed) and Donald Runnicles (last performance of his tenure) was noble, the evening belonged to Ms. Netrebko. From the opening moment of her arrival in a lavish 1920's style car, it was clear that she not only ruled the stage, but loved every moment of this production.

From the opening scene dressed in a white sequined gown, followed by a black evening dress at the gambling parlor to her final dying scene in negligee, she epitomized elegance, grace, and astonishing beauty. Her voice has become fuller with ample power in all octaves. She has incredible dynamic range from a poignant whisper to full exclamatory willpower, with joy and angst. At times, she had to hold back somewhat so as not to over sing Alfredo.

The highlight of the opera was her acting ability in being able to portray a dying courtesan who does not want to leave her lover. Dying of consumption, she just became limp on several occasions that were most believable. Her cough similar to La Boheme was not only believable, but your heart skipped a beat with the rising tension. You could hear a pin drop as you heard her dying moments collapsing on a couch to the familiar high violin accompaniment.

My only concerns that need to be expressed were the amplification of the orchestra which was totally unnecessary, but the incessant delivery of amplified violin section attributed to poor microphone placement was obtrusive and annoying. At least on one occasion Mr. Runnicles overpowered the singers in his zealous enthusiasm.

On one occasion Ms. Netrebko transposed a high note with little detraction. She displayed ample power, coloratura bravura with a marvelous tone. Having recently heard Natalie Dessay sing Sempre Libera at the Met Gala, one was impressed by the legato nature of Netrebko's portray in contrast to Dessay's intentional staccato, fragmented phrasing interpretation. Having also seen photos of Renée Fleming in her current Violetta at the ROH, one can only marvel at Netrebko's resilience, endurance and commitment to bel canto opera. She is made for this type of role.

From the moment of the curtain falling on the final scene, you then witnessed the incredible transformation of Netrebko joyously waving to the crowd with her signature smile and hand-waving to her kiss for the conductor.

Since this was San Francisco, a town near to her heart since had her American debut in the War Memorial Opera house, it was a joyous reunion. There were banners on street poles, tote bags declaring we love Anna to photos in the cafeteria of her debut in Ruslan and Lyudmila (Glinka).

Perhaps the greatest surprise of the day was her autograph signing for approximately > 300 people. Anna came out with colorful beads used in New Orleans in white Bermuda shorts and stiletto heels. Everyone was given the opportunity to customize their autographs by filling out a note for Anna. She sat there sipping Champagne with Balalaika music and a small Russian group providing mood setting music for these accolades.

My wife and I were particularly struck, not only by her beauty, but graciousness in her conversation. My wife Paula was so nervous she could not snap a photo and Anna told her not to be nervous at all. Paula said that she hoped to see Villazón's return (also acknowledged by Netrebko) and I told her how much I loved her recording of I Capulets and Montecchi by Bellini. She agreed that this was the most beautiful score. She was quite surprised to hear that we had traveled to Abu Dhabi to hear her in concert with Elina Garanca and Erwin Schrott.

My wife and I sat in the orchestra to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary and did we have a memorable performance. The only challenge was buying a CD which I did not own already! The mezzanine gift shop was mobbed in anticipation of the CD autograph signing following the performance. We met many wonderful people who enjoyed the performance and some can with nearly every CD and DVD for autographs.

How Ms. Netrebko can sing her heart out, sign autographs, be a full time mother and travel the world defies understanding. She is clearly raising the bar as a model of modern day opera and has clearly expanded an ample repertoire. Her career with many counterparts, e.g. Garanca, Villazon, Alagna, Beczala, Castronovo, Cutler and others seems to be a joyous tribute to a young girl growing up in Krasnodar of modest means. This is truly the story of modern day princess.

Photos
Photos [1-15] by Howard

Radio Broadcasts
La Traviata will be broadcast on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM on WFMT and Sunday, December 06, 2009 at 8:00 PM on KDFC.

Related posts
Anna Netrebko lights up stage in "La Traviata", San Francisco Examiner 8. Jun 2009
Sultry soprano Netrebko prepares for "Traviata" in S.F., Mercury News 8. Jun 2009
Anna Netrebko - an opera star but not diva, San Francisco Chronicle 12. Jun 2009
La Traviata, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco 13. Jun 2009
La Traviata, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco 19. Jun 2009
Anna Netrebko CD signing in San Francisco

Anna Netrebko CD signing in San Francisco

Anna Netrebko will be at a CD signing session at the San Francisco Opera House this Sunday 28. June, starting at 5:30 PM. After the CD signing session, Netrebko will sing her last performance of the run of Verdi's La Traviata starting at 8:00 PM.

La Traviata, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco 19. Jun 2009

La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
Francesco Maria Piave

War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Friday 19. June 2009


Production
Conductor: Donald Runnicles
Director and Designer: Marta Domingo*
Choreographer: Kitty McNamee
Chorus Director: Ian Robertson
Lighting Designer: Mark McCullough

Cast
Violetta Valéry: Anna Netrebko
Alfredo Germont: Charles Castronovo
Giorgio Germont: Dwayne Croft
Flora: Leann Sandel-Pantaleo*
Gastone: Andrew Bidlack
Baron Douphol: Dale Travis
Marquis D’Obigny: Austin Kness
Grenvil: Kenneth Kellogg
Annina: Renée Tatum*
Giuseppe: Dale Tracy
Messenger: Bojan Knezevic
Flora’s Servant: William Pickersgill
Matador: Jekyns Pelaez*

Orchestra and Chorus of the San Francisco Opera

About the Opera
Overview
Synopsis
The Traviata Saga

On-line Press Reviews
Netrebko in Traviata at SFO, Not For Fun Only, 21. June 2009 [English]
Russian soprano Anna Netrebko lights up opera stage in 'La Traviata' - By Mike Silverman, The Associated Press 22. June 2009 [English]

Radio Broadcasts
La Traviata will be broadcast on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM on WFMT and Sunday, December 06, 2009 at 8:00 PM on KDFC.

Related posts
Anna Netrebko lights up stage in "La Traviata", San Francisco Examiner 8. Jun 2009
Sultry soprano Netrebko prepares for "Traviata" in S.F., Mercury News 8. Jun 2009
Anna Netrebko - an opera star but not diva, San Francisco Chronicle 12. Jun 2009
La Traviata, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco 13. Jun 2009

La Traviata, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco 13. Jun 2009

La Traviata
Giuseppe Verdi
Francesco Maria Piave

War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Saturday 13. June 2009


Production
Conductor: Donald Runnicles
Director and Designer: Marta Domingo*
Choreographer: Kitty McNamee
Chorus Director: Ian Robertson
Lighting Designer: Mark McCullough

Cast
Violetta Valéry: Anna Netrebko
Alfredo Germont: Charles Castronovo
Giorgio Germont: Dwayne Croft
Flora: Leann Sandel-Pantaleo*
Gastone: Andrew Bidlack
Baron Douphol: Dale Travis
Marquis D’Obigny: Austin Kness
Grenvil: Kenneth Kellogg
Annina: Renée Tatum*
Giuseppe: Dale Tracy
Messenger: Bojan Knezevic
Flora’s Servant: William Pickersgill
Matador: Jekyns Pelaez*

Orchestra and Chorus of the San Francisco Opera

About the Opera
Overview
Synopsis
The Traviata Saga

Reviews

Press Reviews

When she sashays across the stage, it is a star's entrance. And at Saturday's opening performance in War Memorial Opera House, the Russian diva delivered a searching and often spectacular performance as Violetta Valéry, the Parisian demimondaine who is the heroine of Verdi's tragedy. There was the sheer beauty of her voice to consider: pouring like liquid amber, then bubbling up to all those high A-flats and Cs.
San Jose Mercury News, 14. Jun 2009

In superb voice, used impressively through the evening, and with a believable, moving portrayal of Violetta, Netrebko tonight earned respect and admiration. I don't recall a more convincing Act II performance in the heroine's psychologically and practically bizarre capitulation to the demand to leave Alfredo than in Netrebko's - and in Domingo's direction of plausible body language supporting the plot and the music.
San Francisco Examiner, 15. June 2009

Netrebko’s sculptural approach to the musical phrasing is informed by her natural understanding of the character she depicts, and buttressed by her assured vocal abilities. The voice is voluptuous and balanced in all registers, with a fascinatingly complex range of vocal colors. This is a soprano with grande abbandono in her forte notes, and a genuine pianissimo that’s natural to her voice — not a fake falsetto requiring a shift into another gear. Over the years the voice has grown richer and more powerful. The lower register has acquired a dark, Slavic hue. I hope the temptation to accent this sensual register will not lead to an unbalancing of her magnificent voice.
San Francisco Classical Voice, 16. June 2009

On-line Press Reviews
Splendid Netrebko-Castronovo "Traviata" by Janos Gereben, Opera-L Archives, 14. Jun 2009, San Francisco Examiner, 15. Jun 2009[English]
Review: Anna Netrebko brings glamour and star power to 'La Traviata' at S.F. Opera by Richard Seinin, San Jose Mercury News, 14. Jun 2009 [English]
Anna Netrebko returns to S.F. in 'La Traviata' by Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle, 14. June 2009 [English]
Anna Netrebko's jazzy opening of Verdi's "La Traviata": Diamond tiara and sparkling performances by Cindy Warner, San Francisco Opera Examiner, 14. June 2009 [English]
Embracing Abandon at S.F. Opera by Olivia Stapp, San Francisco Classical Voice, 16. June 2009 [English]
Verdi: La Traviata by Harvey Steiman, Seen and Heard Opera International Review, 16. June 2009 [English]
Patricia Zohn: A Girl’s Guide to Love and Opera: La Traviata, 19. June 2009 [English]

Videoclips
Video excerpts from rehearsals by San Francisco Opera. Uploaded to Youtube by Sfoperamedia


Video excerpt from rehearsals. "Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)" uploaded to Youtube by tactus72


Video excerpt from rehearsals. "Un di felice, eterea" uploaded to Youtube by tactus72


Anna Netrebko on the stage, behind the curtains, just after La Traviata's premiere at the San Francisco Opera. Video uploaded to Youtube by madonna4president


Radio Broadcasts
La Traviata will be broadcast on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM on WFMT and Sunday, December 06, 2009 at 8:00 PM on KDFC.

Related posts
Anna Netrebko lights up stage in "La Traviata", San Francisco Examiner 8. Jun 2009
Sultry soprano Netrebko prepares for "Traviata" in S.F., Mercury News 8. Jun 2009
Anna Netrebko - an opera star but not diva, San Francisco Chronicle 12. Jun 2009

La Traviata, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 11. May 2009

11. Mai 2009

LA TRAVIATA
(276. Aufführung in dieser Inszenierung)

Dirigentin: Marco Armiliato
nach einer Inszenierung von: Otto Schenk
Bühnenbild nach Entwürfenvon: Günther Schneider-Siemssen
Kostüme: Hill Reihs-Gromes
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang

Violetta Valéry: Anna Netrebko
Alfredo Germont: Joseph Calleja
Giorgio Germont: Vladimir Stoyanov
Flora Bervoix: Zoryana Kushpler
Annina: Donna Ellen
Gaston: Marian Talaba
Baron Douphol: Clemens Unterreiner
Marquis d'Obigny: Hans Peter Kammerer
Doktor Grenvil: Alfred Šramek

Third and last performance of this completely sold-out run of Verdi's La Traviata at the Wiener Staatsoper with Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valéry, Joseph Calleja as Alfredo Germont, Vladimir Stoyanov as Giorgio Germont and Marco Armiliato conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of the Wiener Staatsoper.

Our blog friend Attila attended this performance and wrote the following detailed report:

"I was at the 11th May perfomance of Traviata - the third and final in this run. I was a little wary after reports that some of Anna's notes had been less than good, and that maybe she was a little tired. However, what I saw was amazing - I really think it could have been Anna's best performance ever.  

The interpretation was very different from the wild child I had heard about in the London performances at Covent Garden last year. Instead, in Vienna she was a woman totally absorbed in thought from the very beginning. Distracted from the party making by the intimations of mortality provoked by her illness. It was an evening where her voice worked from the very beginning - there was no period of warming up, none of that feeling of effort and concentration to get the tone to lift up into the head. Everything was easy. Expressive. She had a wonderful confidence. But for me the first great moment of her performance was an unsung one. When Alfredo leaves taking with him the flower Violetta has given him, the party makers enter from their dancing; Anna turned to the audience with a face that showed the dawning realisation that something amazing had happened to her in that first meeting with Alfredo. This then set the way for "E strano!" as a pondering mediation rather than the mad scene some singers make it.  

In the second act, she kept the emotional and pyhsical suffering to a minimum. This Violetta was happy to be living her own new domestic drama, happy now as a housewife. Her duet with the very sympathetic Germont was a calm discussion between newly acquainted family members. There was no petulance or exasperation. Instead the climax which came in "Amami, Afredo!" was again a realisation within herself of how much she loved Alfredo, rather than a pathetic plea.  

The party scene saw Anna with the life force drained from her, indifferent to events around her. In the ensemble she rose above the chorus with the finest thread of tone that showed her suffering with little of the over-emotional self pity one usually sees in performances. At the end she simply fainted, crumbling to the ground. 

Her portrayal of Violetta had so far been more static than I had been expecting, without the overblown emotion normally associated with the role. This was a woman who had not lived passionately, who had not seized life by the throat but who had frittered it away with meaningless social banter. The vocal assumption of the role was never to be questioned, we really were in a position to move beyond how good the notes were and instead to really try to work out what was going on in the head and soul of her character. Anna's seeming underplaying of Violetta paved the way for a final act that was great.  

The bleakness of the shabby apartment relected the condition of her body - now weak and feeble. A body that had missed its opportunites in life. But her spirit still craved the fullness of the experiences so far denied to her. She pulled herself from her bed like an animatronic doll, a lifeless object with some inner force mechanically moving her across the room towards the light from the window. After sinking into Alfredo's arms, she returns back to bed to regain some energy, singing her part in the final ensemble lying down facing the ceiling totally unconnected from the overwrought emotional despair around her. When she get's up again for the final moments, she is in her own world. The separation from those around her total. Facing the audience, she reaches up with one arm to seize in the final seconds the joy that has eluded her for her whole miserable life. 

The audience which had warmly applauded during the evening was now rapturous. Anna looked ecstatic with her performance. After endless curtain calls the safety curtain descended indicating the end of the evening. But as the last die-hard fans continued to scream and shout, Anna cheekily appeared through a little door at the side - in front of the proscenium arch - and leaning out, stood waving at the remaining crowd. I think she didn't want to leave. 

Afterwards I asked Anna "Do you think that was your best performance ever?" She looked up, with a half smile. Thinking. She replied "You will have to tell me."
Anna was great. Before coming to Vienna, I had thought maybe the really great days were over for Anna. Obviously now, I think otherwise. 

The great unexpected revelation of the evening was Joseph Calleja. He is tall and chubby, but with the most beautiful relaxed natural stage presence. He totally evokes Pavarotti at his young best. Blest with a voice that improves the higher it goes, he also has a wonderful emotional openness that let's him change from anger to love in a moment. He is the first singer I have ever heard who reminds me of Enrico Caruso. There were moments in the party scene when I could not breath for the emotional roller coaster he was taking us on. He entered the party singing his opening lines with visible irony - when did I last hear a singer sing ironically! And the moment where in his anger at Violetta he is suddenly taken over by his feelings of love for her were literally breathtaking. This totally took me back to performances of Domingo I had seen in my youth over 20 years ago.
I am so glad I recorded the evening! Roll on Bohème in Munich. I think Netrebko and Calleja together are sensational."

Our blog friend Anne-Laure, who had also attended the performance on 7. May, attended also this performance. She also believes that this last performance was the best of the run and probably one of the best Anna's performances of La Traviata. Anne-Laure wrote a detailed report in french, collecting her impressions about the two performances she attended, on the forum Barjopera. It is particularly interesting to compare and see the differences between the two performances.

Photos
Curtain call photo by Philip Bajo

Related Posts
La Traviata, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 4. May 2009
La Traviata, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 7. May 2009

La Traviata, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 7. May 2009

7. Mai 2009

LA TRAVIATA
(275. Aufführung in dieser Inszenierung)

Dirigentin: Marco Armiliato
nach einer Inszenierung von: Otto Schenk
Bühnenbild nach Entwürfenvon: Günther Schneider-Siemssen
Kostüme: Hill Reihs-Gromes
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang

Violetta Valéry: Anna Netrebko
Alfredo Germont: Joseph Calleja
Giorgio Germont: Vladimir Stoyanov
Flora Bervoix: Zoryana Kushpler
Annina: Donna Ellen
Gaston: Marian Talaba
Baron Douphol: Clemens Unterreiner
Marquis d'Obigny: Hans Peter Kammerer
Doktor Grenvil: Alfred Šramek

Second performance of the completely sold-out run of three perfromances of Verdi's La Traviata at the Wiener Staatsoper with Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valéry, Joseph Calleja as Alfredo Germont and Vladimir Stoyanov as Giorgio Germont and Marco Armiliato conducting.

Reports
First reviews report that this second performance was even better than the first one. Martin Robert Botz, in his report published on Der Neue Merker, writes the following (english translation by Herbert):

"In the second performance of this run none of these not quite perfect notes (which were mentioned after the first performance) were to be noticed."

"It has to be mentioned, too, even if the enthusiasm for Anna is really great, it is not a noisy cheering, but rather coming from insinde, from the soul and heart."

"It was a memorable evening."

Our blog friend Anne-Laure attended also this perfomance and wrote a detailed act-by-act report in french on the forum Barjopera.

On-line Press Reviews
Wiener Staatsoper: „LA TRAVIATA“ am 7. Mai 2009 by Martin Robert Botz, Der Neue Merker 8. Mai 2009 [German]

Related Posts
La Traviata, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 4. May 2009

La Traviata, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 4. May 2009

4. Mai 2009

LA TRAVIATA
(274. Aufführung in dieser Inszenierung)

Dirigentin: Marco Armiliato
nach einer Inszenierung von: Otto Schenk
Bühnenbild nach Entwürfenvon: Günther Schneider-Siemssen
Kostüme: Hill Reihs-Gromes
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang

Violetta Valéry: Anna Netrebko
Alfredo Germont: Joseph Calleja
Giorgio Germont: Vladimir Stoyanov
Flora Bervoix: Zoryana Kushpler
Annina: Donna Ellen
Gaston: Marian Talaba
Baron Douphol: Clemens Unterreiner
Marquis d'Obigny: Hans Peter Kammerer
Doktor Grenvil: Alfred Šramek

Yesterday, on 4. May 2009, the opera diva Anna Netrebko was back on stage at the Wiener Staatsoper as Violetta Valéry, for the sold-out premiere of La Traviata in a classical Otto Schenk's production. Anna was partnered on the stage by Joseph Calleja as Alfredo Germont and Vladimir Stoyanov, replacing the originally scheduled Alberto Gazale, as Giorgio Germont, in the leading roles. Two more sold-out performances, with the same cast, are scheduled at the Wiener Staatsoper on 7. and 11. May 2009.

Our blog friend Herbert attended the first of the three performances. He reports that the audience was enthusiastic, that Anna and Joseph Calleja got many curtain calls and that the first reviews are very good. Herbert reports:

Still, compared to Zürich, I had the impression that Anna's voice was sometimes a bit strained - maybe because of her trip to St. Petersburg? She often says that Violetta is a very exhausting role and she can't sing it too often, she needs some rest between the performances. So the concert at the Mariinsky Theatre was no real recovery.

But even when she had some minor problems in between - she was excellent. Especially the duet with Germont (Vladimir Stoyanov) and the dying scene were past comparison. Joseph Calleja as Alfredo is a very good partner. I am looking forward to seeing him again with Anna in La Bohème in München.

The Zürich production was very modern - here in Wien it was a traditional production and setting, but not bad. Anna could wear lavish costumes and jewelry again.

After the show there was the usual crowd and jostle at the stage door. Anna accepted to be photographed with her fans and she signed lots of CDs and photos, etc.

Our blog friend Rhodri also attended the first performance and wrote a report for us:

The Salzburg Traviata. That was my first encounter with Anna Netrebko and ever since I´ve desperately wanted to see her as Violetta. When she was scheduled to sing the role with the ROH in early 2008 I thought I´d struck it lucky but then disaster struck in the form of bronchitis and she cancelled the performance I was due to see, but fortunately Vienna came to the rescue. Rising at four in the morning has never been my favourite past time but for once I´m glad I made the effort. As a fellow opera goer said to me after the performance had ended - "I could sit through it once again right now."

It was that good. Netrebko gave a performance as compelling, in my admittedly uneducated eyes, as the one she gave in Salzburg. However, this was a different Violetta than the one who had dazzled in red. Gone were the Olympic style gymnastics, instead the Violetta on the stage seemed a far more mature creature, and one already, it appeared to me, to be willing to fore-go her life of Sempre Libera lifestyle. Maybe it´s a lazy assumption to make but this new found approach to Violetta could be due to the recent changes in her life. Whatever the reason she gave a performance that exuded self awareness and knowledge of the profundity of her situation. The desperation in the final scene was palpable in the audience as the revellers partied almost tauntingly outside her window.

And the rest of the cast? In order for Traviata to work there has to be three singers of equal abilities and thankfully in the shape of Joesph Calleja and Vladimir Stoyanov the triumvirate was complete.

Calleja (Alfredo), on Monday´s night performance should consider throwing in the odd off colour performance otherwise he will be in danger of singing the role for the remainder of his career. The most pleasing aspect of his performance was how he married the sweet lyrical nature of his voice to a surprisingly powerful engine.

As Giorgio Germont Vladimir Stoyanov accomplished the difficult skill of having to be a man at least twice his age without ever falling foul of the great risk in this role and overstating the character´s age. He allowed the music to guide him and as such he never over sang his role.

As for the Vienna Phil they were simply sublime - from the haunting opening to the final notes of the opera they gave the singers the greatest support imaginable and guided by Marco Armiliato they breathed life into Traviata and brought new aspects of the piece to my ears.

Before I travelled to Vienna I was aware that the city had taken Netrebko to their hearts, but I wasn´t prepared for how much they had done so. As soon as the final curtain fell a huge roar erupted around the house and there followed a ten minute standing ovation. But this was no "love-in" ovation, because I would dare any house in the world not to react in the same way after a performance of great skill and artistry from all concerned...

Our blog friend Irina, owner of the blog Around the world with Irina, also attended this performance and wrote a detailed report on her blog. You can find also there a nice album of photos covering spectacular views of the house, curtain calls and signatures session at the stage door. Some of those photos are included here with her kind permission.

Photos
Poster, curtain calls and stage door photos 1, 11-12, 16-19 by Herbert. Curtain calls and stage door photos 2-10, 13-15 by Irina.


Press Reviews
Traviata-Charme mit einem Hauch von Irritation, derStandard.at 5. Mai 2009 [German]
WIEN / Staatsoper: LA TRAVIATA von Giuseppe Verdi 4. Mai 2009, Der Neue Merker 5. Mai 2009 [German]
Wiener Staatsoper: LA TRAVIATA am 4.5.2009, Der Neue Merker 5. Mai 2009 [German]
LA TRAVIATA „Tolstoi’sche Schwermut“, operinwien.at 6. Mai 2009 [German]

Cast changes in La Traviata at the Wiener Staatsoper

There are some changes in the cast of Verdi's La Traviata scheduled for 4., 7. and 11. May 2009 at the Wiener Staatsoper.

Vladimir Stoyanov substitutes Alberto Gazale as Giorgio Germont in the three performances.

Anna Netrebko 2008-2009 Season Schedule

La Traviata, Opernhaus Zürich, Zürich 26. April 2009

La Traviata - Verdi

Conductor Marco Armiliato

Producer/production Jürgen Flimm
Set design Erich Wonder
Costumes Florence von Gerkan
Lighting Jakob Schlosstein
Choir rehearsal Jürg Hämmerli
Choreography Katharina Lühr

Orchester der Oper Zürich
Chor der Oper Zürich

Anna Netrebko Violetta Valéry
Anja Schlosser Flora Bervoix
Liuba Chuchrova Annina
Piotr Beczala Alfredo Germont
Vladimir Stoyanov Giorgio Germont
Miroslav Christoff Gastone
Cheyne Davidson Barone Douphal
Pavel Daniluk Marquese d Obigny
Valery Murga Dottor Grenvil
Noel Vazquez Giuseppe
Heikki Yrttiaho Domestico
Uwe Kosser Comissionario

Herbert, a regular and faithful reader of this blog, attended the performance of La Traviata at the Opernhaus Zürich on 26. April 2009. Despite the fact that it was Anna's first appearance at the Opernhaus Zürich, Herbert tell us that "the audience already love and adore her. There was a Swiss couple sitting next to me, and the lady said: One can get addicted to Netrebko".

Talking about Anna's performance on stage, Herbert tell us: "I was so surprised how different Anna sang and acted the role of Violetta compared with Salzburg 2005. She is no girl anymore, but a woman, her voice is rounder and her intensity has grown, especially when she is on stage all alone and sings her arias like "E strano" and "Sempre libera". The audience almost stopped breathing when she roamed across the stage, filled it with her presence, looked straight into the audience or hurled a glass against the wall".

After the performance, it was a signing session in the lounge of the first tier, with Anna Netrebko and Piotr Beczala. "They came in only 30 minutes after the final curtain, looking "fresh" and good-humoured as if they had been on holidays. They signed CDs, DVDs, photos, posters... anything, and they were in a very good temper. Only when she finally left the room, Anna confessed that her feet were aching because of her new high-heels..."

Photo Album
Exclusive curtain call and signing session photos by Herbert