Opera Santa Barbara returns to classic grand opera at the Granada Theater June 12 for the first time since November 2019 with “La Traviata.” “La Traviata” was last performed by Opera Santa Barbara in the Granada in 2011.

Premiered in 1853, Giuseppe Verdi’s classic tells the story of a real-life courtesan who is in turns adulated and betrayed by the Parisian demi-monde. It is based on the semi-autobiographical hit novel and play by Alexander Dumas, “La Dame aux Camellias” (“The lady with the camellias”).

“La Traviata” contains some of Verdi’s best known tunes, like Violetta’s aria “Sempre libera” and the toasting chorus “Libiamo!” The opera became widely recognized after it was featured in the 1990 Hollywood blockbuster “Pretty Woman.”

“After a year of caution and adaptation, I am thrilled that we are finally returning to full-scale classic opera,” said Kostis Protopapas, the company’s artistic and general director who will also conduct the production.

“La Traviata is one of my favorite operas,” he said. “I am excited about our amazing cast, but especially because this will be the first time I get to conduct Verdi, my favorite composer, with the Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra and Chorus.”

The cast features two Opera Santa Barbara favorite artists:

Soprano Anya Matanovich, previously seen locally as Abigail Williams in “The Crucible” and Freia in “Das Rheingold,” has made a signature role of Violetta, the opera’s tragic protagonist. About her most recent performances in the role the Utah Arts Review, Williams wrote: “… she already invests the role with vocal sparkle and psychological depth.”

Violetta’s beloved Alfredo will be portrayed by tenor Nathan Granner, who won over Santa Barbara audiences with his performances in “La Boheme” in 2018 and Opera Santa Barbara’s 25th Anniversary Gala in 2019.

The trio of protagonists is completed by baritone Joel Balzun, as Alfredo’s stern father Giorgio Germont, in his Opera Santa Barbara debut. Balzun’s exceptional promise as a young Verdi baritone was recently recognized when he won first prize in the 2021 Fulham Opera Robert Presley Memorial Verdi Prize.

Directing the production will be Tara Faircloth, who directed Opera Santa Barbara’s “La Rondine” in 2017. The scenic design is created by L.A.-based scenic and projection designer Francois-Pierre Couture, who most recently designed the company’s production of Wagner’s “Das Rheingold.”

The show combines period costumes, props and furniture with digital images projected on the back of the stage, and two large picture frames that change positions during the opera. The images set the moods for the different scenes, and evoke the romantic aesthetic of 19th century Paris. Lighting design will be by another L.A.-based designer, Azra King-Abadi (“Madama Butterfly, 2019.”).

The single performance at the Granada will feature the full Opera Santa Barbara Chorus for the first time since 2020, and the 35-member Opera Santa Barbara Orchestra. The show runs about 2 hours, 15 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission. It will be sung in Italian, with the English translation projected above the stage.

Patrons have options for buying tickets: Buy full-priced tickets at the Granada box office and select their own seats; online at https://ticketing.granadasb.org/16059; by phone 12:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, at 805-899-2222; or in-person during the same hours); or visit the Opera Santa Barbara website where they can choose their own price with You Decide! Tickets. Seats will be assigned by Opera Santa Barbara and the Granada.  

Opera Santa Barbara will present a free Open Rehearsal of “La Traviata”outdoors on the lawn of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse before Granada opening, 2:30-5 p.m. June 5.

Featuring the OSB Orchestra, the cast of “La Traviata,” and the Opera SB artistic team, the open rehearsal gives everyone a taste of the show’s tunes, and a chance to hear great voices accompanied by a live symphony orchestra in a relaxed environment. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets that are breathable. No plastic underlining or yoga mats. Low lawn chairs are fine.

Opera Santa Barbara’s “La Traviata” is made possible by the generosity of season sponsor the Elaine F. Stepanek Foundation; and donors Bob Weinman, Maya Smidt, Bella Domani, Patricia Dixon, Christine and Michael Holland, and Keith and Kay Schofield.

Special thanks to Noozhawk for generous marketing support. The You Decide! Ticket program is made possible by a grant from the Walter and Holly Thomson Foundation, Bank of America, NA co-trustee.

As a signature provider of professional music theater for the Central Coast since 1994, Opera Santa Barbara has staged more than 80 productions of opera favorites, lesser-known classics, and contemporary American works featuring nationally recognized performers as well as artists and craftspeople of our region.

Beyond offering mainstage productions, the company develops the talent of emerging singing actors; educates children in the art and meaning of music theater; and provides free educational and musical programs to the broader Santa Barbara region.