Grand opera is the ultimate form of dramatic art and it’s possible to suggest that La Traviata is the ultimate grand opera, certainly in Ellen Kent’s production at the Theatre Royal. 

Here are glorious sets, sumptuous costumes and Verdi’s most ravishing score, brilliantly performed by the combined orchestras of the national opera and ballet theatre of Moldavia and the Moldavian National Philharmonic, conducted by Nicolae Dohotaru. 

Violetta, sung with true passion by Alyona Kistenyova, flexibly demonstrates the central theme – love can redeem all. Her coloratura glittered in Act l and moved to more simple expression towards the anguish of the final Andante aria. 

She was truly magnificent in her duet with Germont in Act ll, one of the most celebrated scenes in all opera, and lent extra authority by the fine, powerful baritone and convincing stage presence of Vladimir Dragos. His son Alfredo, Ruslan Zinevych, persuaded not just Violetta that he loved her with a lyrical tenor ardour, but the audience as well. 

The role of son, lover, cad and penitent is awkward but Zinevych was very effective.  Odd nice touches: a harp, drag matador dances, excellent surtitles and story provenance. A Traviata both memorable and moving.