Verdi's La Traviata: Opera in the Crypt

About the Event

Experience Verdi's “La Traviata” in the impressive setting of the OPERA in the KRYPTA with an outstanding, ideal cast! The extraordinary hall offers an intimate and atmospheric setting that brings out the emotions and drama of this masterpiece even more intensely.
The crypt with its unique acoustics and historically interesting ambience creates a closeness to the artists that makes every heart beat faster. Immerse yourself in the touching story of Violetta and Alfredo with a production that gets deep under your skin.
Slightly abridged and with piano accompaniment, the focus is entirely on the touching story, which is impossible to resist.
OPER in der KRYPTA stands for authentic, honest opera theater and craftsmanship. Established as Austria's smallest opera theater, the performances impress with their high quality and unusual venue. Located deep beneath Vienna's St. Peter's Church, the atmospheric hall offers personal and unforgettable classical experiences.

The KRYPTA is pleasantly warm at any time of year.

The plot
The courtesan Violetta Valery throws a party in her salon in Paris. Her young suitor, Alfredo Germont, sings a drinking song to impress her. After Violetta has a coughing fit, Alfredo takes the opportunity to explain to Violetta the seriousness of his desire. Unsure of her own feelings, she gives him a camellia flower as a pledge. He is allowed to return as soon as it has faded.
Three months later, Violetta and Alfredo are living in the country as high‐spirited lovers at Violetta's expense. When Alfredo realizes this in shame, he sets off for Paris to raise his own money.
During this time, Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, visits Violetta to ask her to separate from his son. Her unseemly relationship was standing in the way of his daughter's happiness, and their proper union was now in jeopardy. Violetta agrees in the knowledge that she is already doomed to certain death. She is suffering from consumption. Impressed by her sincerity and devotion, Germont takes his leave.
On his return, Alfredo finds an agitated Violetta writing a letter. She quickly leaves and a messenger hands Alfredo her farewell letter. Distraught, he reads that she has decided to return to her old lifestyle and renounces him.
Germont tries to comfort his son, but in vain. After a public scandal at a party, during which Alfredo insults Violetta out of jealousy, she withdraws for good.
Months later, Violetta's condition deteriorates dramatically. Germont writes to her that he has told Alfredo about their agreement. He now wants to hurry back to her soon. Violetta knows that they no longer have a future together and bids farewell to her love and her life.
Suddenly Alfredo bursts in and the flicker of happiness seems to bring back all hope. Germont appears and reaffirms their love, but too late. Violetta gives Alfredo her likeness, asking him to find her a new bride and new happiness. She prays for this in heaven. She rises one last time to find death.

Practical Information

The KRYPTA is pleasantly warm at any time of year.

The 'Opera in the Crypt' series is a unique form of presenting opera at its very essence. With piano accompaniment, talented singers in costumes perform the works in the exceptional, intimate atmosphere of the crypt under St. Peter's Church. Through the short distance between audience and musicians you can experience opera in a way you have never heard or seen it before.

Cast / Production

Violetta — Tatiana Rasa, soprano
Alfredo Germont — Sergio Tallo‐Torres, tenor
Giorgio Germont — Florian Pejrimovsky, bass‐baritone

Maximilian Schamschula, piano