The COC opens its 2026/2027 season with the return of Arin Arbus’ lush production of La Traviata. In Verdi’s beloved romantic tragedy, Violetta is a celebrated courtesan who finds love with sweet Alfredo—but she is forced to choose between her own happiness or Alfredo’s reputation. This sumptuous production is set in the demi-monde of glittering 1850s Paris, evoking the social realities, rhythms, and debauchery of a rapidly changing society.
Making a series of COC debuts are: sopranos Kathryn Lewek and Lucia Cesaroni sharing the role of Violetta, tenor Luke Norvell as Alfredo, and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. as Giorgio. The roles of Alfredo and Giorgio will be shared by returning tenor Long Long and baritone Russell Braun.