Classical and Jazz: Preview - Bank Holiday Monday - Elizabeth Woods sings Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata
Published: 26 August 2010
by SEBASTIAN TAYLOR
OPERA enthusiasts get a chance to hear exquisite young Irish soprano Elizabeth Woods singing Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata on Monday –– and handsome lyric tenor Christopher Diffey stealing her heart as Alfredo. They are singing in the enterprising Garden Opera Company’s production of Verdi’s opera on The Nannies Lawn, Regent’s Park, on Monday evening.
Director Saffron van Zwanenberg has relocated the opera from the late 19th century to 1930s Paris with stark haute-couture costumes.
The opera is being sung in English in David Pountney’s translation. Operating without public subsidy, the Garden Opera Company, based in Stoke Newington, has managed to survive and perform since it was launched by Peter Bridges more than 15 years ago.
In addition to touring productions in this country, it has taken operas to Spain, Ireland, Kenya and the Cayman Islands.