Sung in the original Italian
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
World premiere: March 6, 1853, at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy
Cincinnati Opera premiere: July 9, 1923, at Cincinnati Zoo Pavilion

The Cast
Violetta Valéry ........................................... Eglise Gutiérrez
Alfredo Germont ....................................... Richard Leech
Giorgio Germont ...................................... Philippe Rouillon
Gastone ..................................................... Brendan Tuohy
Baron Douphol ......................................... William McGraw
Marquis d'Obigny ..................................... Jeremy Kelly
Doctor Grenvil ........................................... David Michael
Flora Bervoix ............................................. Audrey Babcock
Messenger ................................................ Kelvin Chan
Annina ........................................................ Jing Zhang
Giuseppe ................................................... Christopher Scott

The Creative Team
Conductor ................................................. Edoardo Müller
Stage Director .......................................... Bliss Hebert
Scenic and Costume Designer ............ Allen Charles Klein
Lighting Designer ................................... Thomas C. Hase
Choreographer ........................................ Rosa Mercedes
Chorus Master ......................................... Henri Venanzi
Production ................................................ Cincinnati and Florida Grand Operas

Cuban-American soprano Eglise Gutiérrez makes her debut in Cincinnati to sing the role of Violetta. She brings her "spellbinding performance—magnetic in presence, vibrant in voice” (Financial Times) to Cincinnati.

Acclaimed tenor Richard Leech brings his "first-class voice, looks, acting talent, and charisma" (Opera News) to sing the role of Alfredo. Mr. Leech most recently sang the title role in Faust where he "was warm, lyrical and expressive, yet always controlled" (Cincinnati Post).

French baritone Philippe Rouillon returns to sing the role of Giorgio. Mr. Rouillon thrilled audiences in his 2006 Cincinnati Opera debut when he "projected one of the most formidable voices ever heard on this stage" (Cincinnati Enquirer) as the four villains in The Tales of Hoffmann.

Tenor Brendan Tuohy debuts in the role of Gastone and Cincinnati baritone William McGraw debuts in the role of Baron Douphol. Jeremy Kelly returns to sing the role of Marchese d'Obigny. Bass David Michael sings the role of Doctor Grenville and mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock makes her company debut as Flora Bervoix. Edoardo Müller will conduct.

Bliss Hebert returns to Cincinnati Opera to direct; Allen Charles Klein is scenic and costume designer; Thomas C. Hase is lighting designer; Rosa Mercedes is choreographer; and Henri Venanzi is chorus master.