★★★★★  - Scottish Daily Express
★★★★ - Bachtrack


Violetta Valéry lives on borrowed time. In Paris’ hedonistic high society, she wrings each day for its joys before her illness catches up with her. When the idealistic young Alfredo offers true love, happiness seems possible – but her past has exacted a price. Giuseppe Verdi’s devastating tragedy – based on Alexander Dumas fils’ novel, in turn inspired by a real woman – has inspired countless retellings, including cult favourite films Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge!.

With his characteristic eye for detail, Sir David McVicar (Il trittico, Falstaff, Pelléas et Mélisande) gets to the love and loss at the core of this doomed love affair in his passionate, gripping, and startlingly intimate production. Tanya McCallin’s sumptuous designs centre Violetta’s journey and enduring legacy despite her fleeting life. Verdi’s magnificent score sweeps the characters through every shifting mood – from the wildly dramatic to the most vulnerable moments.

This beloved production, which began life at Scottish Opera in 2008, has been seen at the houses of co-producers Teatro Real Madrid, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Welsh National Opera. Now, audiences in Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh have a chance to experience it anew. The superb Hye-Youn Lee (Carmen 2023, The Verdi Collection 2022) brings her signature Violetta to Scotland for the first time, with Ji-Min Park as her ardent lover Alfredo.

Kindly supported by Scottish Opera’s ‘Play A Supporting Role’ Appeal
Part of Scottish Opera's 2023/24 season

Mention opera and most people think of singing and music – but this is only part of the overall experience. What about scenery, costumes, lighting, direction and choreography? 

For those with a visual impairment, our audio description service provides a live commentary during the show, relating the action on stage without compromising the music. As part of the experience, a recorded introduction to the opera is available in advance, as well as a live audio introduction before the start of the performance. 

Patrons with a visual impairment can also book onto a free touch tour – an opportunity to go backstage and become more familiar with the set, scenery, props and costumes. 

Please book in advance for audio-described performances and touch tours by calling the venue box offices:

Theatre Royal Glasgow:
18 May 2024, 7.15pm

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Eden Court, Inverness:
25 May 2024, 7.15pm

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His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen:
1 June 2024, 7.15pm

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Festival Theatre Edinburgh:
15 June 2024, 7.15pm

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Find out more about our Audio Description and Touch Tour services>>