Insight Talk: La traviata

Tuesday 14 April 2026

Ahead of your visit in the summer, discover more about La traviata in this insight talk combining historical context from Sophie Rashbrook with musical excerpts performed by artists from our 2026 Festival.

Sophie Rashbrook hosts an introduction to Verdi’s La traviata, exploring the colourful life of Marie Duplessis (the courtesan who inspired the character of Violetta Valéry), love in the time of TB, and the composition and reception history of the opera. Featuring musical excerpts performed by Jessica Cale and Sam Harris (artists covering the principal roles), accompanied by trainee repetiteur Su Choung.

Sophie Rashbrook is a writer, presenter, librettist and opera dramaturg. Formerly the Nicholas John Dramaturg at Welsh National Opera, she has written about opera for The Times, Opera North, the Royal Opera House (where she edits the opera programmes), Glyndebourne and Longborough. She holds an MPhil in Russian Studies from Cambridge University, an MA in Opera-Making from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.