Verdi’s masterpiece returns to Seattle Opera May 2023. Initially this sumptuous, tuneful, utterly human tragedy sparked controversy, but it quickly became one of the world’s most beloved operas. Seattle Opera Dramaturg Jonathan Dean introduces La traviata, with musical examples from previous Seattle Opera productions including 1996 (conducted by Gerard Schwarz and starring Gordon Hawkins and Lauren Flanigan), 2009 (conducted by Brian Garman and starring Francesco Demuro and Eglise Guttierez), and 2016 (conducted by Stefano Ranzani and starring Angel Blue).