Enews, Events, Opera, Ballet, Theatre & The Arts
Join us for Verdi’s glorious opera La Traviata in the English National Opera’s acclaimed Olivier Award winning production at the London Coliseum: the date is Thursday, November 2, and we shall open the evening with a delicious Three-Course Champagne Dinner in the glittering River Restaurant at the Savoy Hotel
Oct
You are invited to join us for the English National Opera’s Olivier Award winning production of Verdi’s La Traviata, starring the spectacular American soprano Nicole Chevalier—she who wowed as Violetta in Basel, where her scintillating vocal power brought the house down and she was hailed ‘one of the best Violetta interpreters of the moment’.
Chevalier will make sure this will be a performance to remember, alongside her co-star as her lover Alfredo, the Argentinian-Spanish-American tenor Jose Simerilla Romero, who is likened to the young Plácido Domingo and José Carreras combined.
The beloved Verdi opera’s glorious arias and soaring choruses vividly depict the ravishingly decadent, glamorous world of Parisian high society, and the emotional roller-coaster that is ‘La Traviata’. It is one of Verdi’s most dazzling showcases—and among the most moving in all opera.
And Peter Konwitschny’s production is a virtuoso classic, a highly-focused, intelligent reading of the music, widely acclaimed by audiences. Cutting to the heart of the opera’s themes of all-consuming love and tragedy, this production is renowned for its modern, focused staging and exceptional drama, earning an Olivier Award for ‘Best New Opera Production’ on its premiere in 2013 and being rapturously received by audiences.
As to the tempestuous Chevalier as Violetta, she will be in her element. An incredible dramatic coloratura soprano, she is an essential, forceful reminder of the visceral verismo of Verdi’s music. She gave herself so completely to Verdi’s heroine that she made Violetta seem as if she was being created for the first time, being named ‘certainly one of the best Violetta interpreters of the moment’ from her performance at Opera Basel in 2021. ‘The way she shapes the tones, the way she portrays her moods in vocal lines of sadness, enthusiasm, anger—and the way she creates her big Scene ed Aria (‘Semper libera’) is sensational. And so in the end it is Nicole Chevalier who recieves all the attention. Standing ovations. That is the least of it.’
Alongside Chevalier, the rising star Jose Simerilla Romero is hailed a ‘major discovery’. A tenor of extraordinary talent and emotion, with a rich, authentic Latin tone, he ‘commands a sizable tenor voice with a dark glow reminiscent of Domingo and Carreras in their youthful prime. With a throb in his tone and ring at the top, his is a major league instrument’. He is praised for his ‘ample voice of arresting quality’ (Opera News) and ‘power, passion and lyrical finesse’ (Opera Magazine). Chevalier and Romero will be a fascinating vocal and emotional combination.
Verdi’s marvellous music will soar under the baton of the celebrated, beautifully persuasive English conductor Richard Farnes, undoubtedly one of the stars of any show. Writes critic Rupert Christiansen (Daily Telegraph), ‘How long before Richard Farnes is recognised as a national treasure?’. With Fames conducting the multi award-winning full English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus, this night will certainly be one to remember.
Through our special arrangement with the English National Opera and the River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay at The Savoy, places for the full evening, including Orchestra Stalls ticket for the Opera, Three-Course Champagne Dinner, VAT and service charge, cost only £157 for CountryClubuk Members, instead of the full value of £200 or more.
We have only a limited number of places available, and this spectacular operatic event will make an enchanting evening which we know will be popular with our Members, so please don’t delay!