In Verdi’s La Traviata  on March 11, Sonya Yoncheva sings one of opera’s most beloved heroines, the tragic courtesan Violetta,  opposite Michael Fabiano as her lover, Alfredo, and Thomas Hampson as his father.  Nicola Luisotti conducts at the Met.
Verdi’s La Traviata survived a notoriously unsuccessful opening night to become one of the best-loved operas in the repertoire. Following the larger-scale dramas of Rigoletto and Il Trovatore, its intimate scope and subject matter inspired the
composer to create some of his most profound and heartfelt music. The title role of the “fallen woman” has captured the
imaginations of audiences and performers alike with its inexhaustible vocal and dramatic possibilities and challenges.
Violetta is considered a pinnacle of the soprano repertoire.

Music historian Jeffrey Engel presents today's opera talk, offering historical context for the composer and the opera story.  In Paris for 14 years, Mr. Engel studied cello, art history and earned diplomas in French.  As a cellist he played with orchestras in France, including the Paris Opera, performed in chamber ensembles and taught in municipal conservatories.   A graduate of Ithaca College, & a teacher at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Mr. Engel brings a rich knowledge of music history to today's lecture, with  musical excerpts.