American soprano Nadine Sierra is singing the role of Violetta Valéry in Giuseppe Verdi’s La traviata at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, marking her first time performing the role at La Scala, according to a report in Diena.
Nadine Sierra Debuts at La Scala in Liliana Cavani’s Production
The staging is directed by Italian film and theater director Liliana Cavani, with sets designed by Dante Ferretti and costumes by Gabriella Pescucci. Performances run through October, with Italian soprano Francesca Pia Vitale scheduled to take the role on October 12, while Sierra performs on October 10 and 15.
The Legacy of Maria Callas at Teatro alla Scala
Performing La traviata in Milan carries specific historical weight due to Maria Callas’s legendary 1955 and 1956 performances at La Scala under the direction of Luchino Visconti and conductor Carlo Maria Giulini. Cavani’s production originally premiered at the theater in 1990 under maestro Riccardo Muti.
Personal Parallels With Past Divas
Sierra stated that Violetta represents every woman who has made sacrifices for career or family. At 38, the American soprano noted personal parallels with Callas and Renata Tebaldi, pointing to shared career sacrifices, a lack of children, and the emotional demands of embodying the tragic heroine.
Who Performs and Designs the La Scala Run?
Who else sings the role of Violetta in this La Scala run?
Italian soprano Francesca Pia Vitale performs the role of Violetta Valéry on October 12, while Nadine Sierra sings the part on October 10 and 15.
Who designed the production of La traviata in Milan?
The staging is directed by Liliana Cavani, with set design by three-time Oscar winner Dante Ferretti and costume design by Gabriella Pescucci.
Which conductor leads the La Scala orchestra for these performances?
Conductor Mikēle Gamba leads the La Scala orchestra for this autumn run of performances.
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