DENVER, CO (October 14, 2025) — Opera Colorado opens its 2025–26 Season with Giuseppe Verdi’s beloved masterpiece La traviata, running November 1, 4, 7, and 9 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The production marks an exciting new chapter under Barbara Lynne Jamison, who began her role as the Ellie Caulkins General Director & CEO in August.
“This is a season about listening to our community and investing in the art that connects us all,” says Jamison. “La traviata is a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit, told through some of Verdi’s most glorious music. I can’t think of a more powerful way to begin this next era for Opera Colorado."
Soprano Sara Gartland—returning to Opera Colorado after her performance in Korngold’s Die tote Stadt—sings Violetta. Tenor Ben Reisinger makes his Opera Colorado debut as Alfredo, and baritone Weston Hurt makes his Opera Colorado debut as Giorgio Germont. Music Director Ari Pelto conducts as he begins his tenth season with the company. The opening also launches a yearlong celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Opera Colorado’s home since 2005.
Set in 19th-century Paris, La traviata follows Violetta Valéry, a celebrated courtesan who chooses love at great personal cost. Verdi’s score—featuring favorites like “Sempre libera” and the famous “Brindisi”—contains some of the most recognizable music in opera. “Though the story is set nearly 200 years ago, it speaks to themes we wrestle with today,” Jamison adds. “How do we balance love, freedom, family, and societal expectations? La traviata is a mirror that helps us better understand ourselves.”
Later this month, Opera Colorado will launch a new ongoing Pay What You Wish program for La traviata. Building on last year’s successful pilot, a limited number of tickets will be available for each performance at a minimum price of $10, making it easier than ever for audiences to experience grand opera at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Full-priced tickets start at $46 including fees and taxes.
Performance Information
La traviata
Saturday, November 1 | 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 7 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 9 | 2:00 p.m.
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Engage with the Art
Artists in Conversation SOLD OUT
Wednesday, October 15 | 6:00 p.m.
Chambers Grant Salon at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
A free panel discussion with the cast of La traviata.
Sitzprobe Brunch
Sunday, October 26 | 12:30 p.m.
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Begin your day with brunch and mimosas before enjoying the rare chance to observe the Sitzprobe, where Maestro Ari Pelto brings together the cast, orchestra, and chorus for the first time on stage ($40).
Student Dress Rehearsal
Thursday, October 30 | 7:00 p.m.
$12 Students (Grades 6-12), $15 College Students, $20 Continuing Education Students, $25 Chaperones.
Tickets and more information are available at operacolorado.org or by calling the Opera Colorado Box Office at (303) 468-2030. More information, including full cast biographies, can be found at the link below.
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