La traviata

Giuseppe Verdi adapted the 1853 opera from "The Lady of the Camellias," a novel and play by Alexandre Dumas fils. The story mirrors the real-life tragedy of Dumas's lover, Marie Duplessis.

The opera premiered at La Fenice opera house in Venice on March 6, 1853. The initial opening night was notoriously considered a failure due to poor casting and the contemporary setting.

The opera was composed by Giuseppe Verdi, one of Italy's most celebrated musical figures. He wrote the score in a remarkably short period, completing the work in a matter of months.

The title translates from Italian to "The Fallen Woman" or "The Woman Who Strayed." This title directly references the protagonist, Violetta Valéry, who is a Parisian courtesan seeking true love.