Branch News Item

Branch: South East
Date: 20 Aug 2007
Title: Post Event Write-up - Holland Park Opera

After a summer of miserable weather, ten Women in Property members were delighted that the sun finally shone for an evening at the Holland Park opera to see La Traviata. We began the evening with a picnic in the park next to the venue where we enjoyed lots of food and wine and took in the final rays of sunshine of the day.

The story of La Traviata revolves around Violetta, a woman who, in the past, has achieved a reputation for partying hard. However, she meets Alfredo, falls in love and they move to the countryside. Yet, despite being very happy with Alfredo, she struggles financially and suffers from consumption. Alfredo's father visits to demand that she renounces her love for his son as their affair has jeopardised the engagement of his daughter. She reluctantly agrees, heads back to Paris and takes up with another suitor, the Baron. Alfredo and the Baron meet at a party and Violetta, fearing the Baron's anger, pretends to renounce her love for Alfredo. Six months later the scene moves to Violetta's bedroom where she is dying of consumption. The Baron and Alfredo have duelled and Alfredo won. Just as Violetta is nearing death Alfredo arrives followed by his father who apologises for demanding that the lovers split. The lovers decide to leave Paris forever however it's too late and Violetta dies in her lover's arms.

Despite such a tragic storyline the opera was filled with romance and the setting at Holland Park was fantastic with top class performances from all of the cast and the orchestra. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and we're already looking forward to next year's Holland Park opera season.

Web Design and Web Hosting
by MaxiMalls.com