Following its staging of Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman,” the Korea National Opera is unveiling its latest production of one of Giuseppe Verdi’s best-known operatic tales -- “La Traviata.”

The upcoming production will be staged from Dec. 9-12 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater, marking the KNO’s final performance of the year.

The three-act Italian opera masterpiece is the quintessential “love conquers all” tale revolving around a beautiful courtesan named Violetta. Consumed by binge drinking and throwing lavish parties for her wealthy friends -- a lifestyle of debauchery that has already begun to severely compromise her health -- Violetta is perfectly content with her way of life. That is, until she meets Alfredo.

Learning that his love for her is unflinching and true, Violetta gives up her partying ways to pursue a life with Alfredo. However, their fairy-tale love is stopped short when Alfredo’s father Giorgio disapproves of their relationship and orders Violetta to part ways with his son forever.

Featuring one of the opera world’s most recognized arias, “Amami Alfredo,” La Traviata is as heartbreaking as it is musically enchanting. 

The upcoming production will star soprano Anna Sohn as leading lady Violetta, while tenor Piero Pretti takes on the role of Alfredo and baritone Tito You stars as his father Giorgio.

The Italian opera production will include subtitles in both Korean and English. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won ($8.50) to 150,000 won.

Following this production, the 2016 season is slated to open with Dvorak’s “Rusalka” in April and Vivaldi’s “Orlando finto pazzo” in May. For more information, visit www.nationalopera.org.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)