by InTrieste
The Teatro Verdi in Trieste is poised to launch its new season with a fresh production of Giuseppe Verdi’s beloved opera, La Traviata, featuring direction by French maestro Arnaud Bernard and conducted by the resident musical director Enrico Calesso. The season premiere is scheduled for November 8, setting the stage for a vibrant lineup rich in vocal talent and innovative initiatives aimed at making the theater more accessible to audiences.
This new production of La Traviata promises to be a visual and auditory feast, showcasing the talents of seasoned soprano Maria Grazia Schiavo as Violetta and rising tenor Antonio Poli as Alfredo. Schiavo, a 48-year-old Neapolitan artist, is highly regarded among international circles, having performed under the baton of eminent conductors like Riccardo Muti. Poli, part of the new generation of tenors, gained recognition as an early discovery of Muti and recently achieved acclaim in a contemporary staging of Vestale.
Bernard’s vision for La Traviata reflects a sophisticated elegance, with inspirations drawn from the opulent post-war collections of fashion designer Christian Dior in the 1950s. This choice resonates with the cultural revival that characterized Trieste in the years following World War II, encapsulating a moment of renewal and celebration as the city rejoined Italy in 1954. The production has been meticulously crafted over several months in Trieste’s artisan workshops, known for their active participation in five productions this season.
Calesso, who first conducted La Traviata at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in 2018, expressed his excitement about leading this iconic work. “This opera is a masterpiece of extreme interpretative difficulty,” he remarked. “The psychological depth of the score demands a careful examination of its melodic and thematic developments, all while maintaining a keen awareness of Verdi’s tonal choices that characterize each moment in profound ways.”
As the theater gears up for the new season, it is also enhancing its facilities to better serve both local and international audiences. Starting November 5, the Teatro Verdi will introduce a new taxi service for subscribers, allowing patrons to book rides directly to and from the theater. This initiative aims to simplify access to the venue, reflecting the theater’s commitment to meeting the needs of its diverse audience.
In a further effort to modernize, the theater will replace its traditional paper season billboard with three new LED screens, allowing for dynamic visual engagement through photos and videos that showcase the beauty of its productions. This innovation is intended to create an immediate dialogue with passersby and facilitate ticket purchases by offering a direct glimpse into the performances.
Prices for subscriptions and tickets remain consistent with previous seasons, and special promotions for audience members under 34 continue to be a highlight, ensuring accessibility for younger patrons.
As La Traviata takes center stage, the Teatro Verdi reinforces its position as a cultural landmark in Trieste, blending tradition with contemporary needs and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
