On Tuesday, we attended the opera at the Concert Hall in Perth.
Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ is a favourite amongst many people. It’s the story of
Violetta described in the programme as a courtesan. She falls in love with
Alfredo. They are very happy.
However, Alfredo’s father interferes. He persuades Violetta to give
up his son because their liaison is prejudicing his daughter’s future. Alfredo
seeks revenge and is challenged to a duel by Violetta’s lover, the Baron.
Following the duel, Alfredo goes abroad but when he hears of
Violetta’s illhealth, he returns to make amends. They are happily reunited but
only for a moment. The opera ends with Violetta’s death in Alfredo’s arms and
his regretful father weeping uncontrollably.
Alfredo’s constancy pays off in the end if only momentarily but the
power of love to triumph against adversity is gloriously proclaimed in
beautiful music and singing that resonated throughout the concert hall. The
costumes were lavish, the set entrancing and the storyline simple enough to be
immediately engaging.
At the end of the show, the audience clapped heartily. Suddenly, the
orchestra picked up their silent instruments and began to play what turned out
to be the Ukrainian National Anthem. The
opera had been performed by the
Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kyiv.
Everyone in the auditorium stood up respectfully. Two of the
principal soloists unfurled a Ukrainian flag. Some members of the audience were
holding small Ukrainian flags as the soloists and female chorus sang the anthem
with great conviction. The constancy of love celebrated in the opera challenged
the uncivilised behaviour of Russian brutality. We were all moved to be aligned in this way to their fight for peace and freedom.
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