Pictured above is the Teatr Wielki in Warsaw, Poland. COMMANDOpera will begin covering events from this illustrious theatre beginning with tomorrow evenings La Traviata. The classical music traditions in Poland run deep, enjoying a list of notable composers which represent a whose who internationally. The theatre was built on Theatre Square between 1825 and 1833, from Polish classicist designs by the Italian architect Antonio Corazzi of Livorno, to provide a new performance venue for existing opera, ballet and drama companies active in Warsaw. The building was remodeled several times and, in the period of Poland’s political eclipse from 1795 to 1918, it performed an important cultural and political role in producing many works by Polish composers and choreographers. After the building’s bombing and near-complete destruction in World War II, the theatre was rebuilt, and the building reopened on November 19, 1965, after having been closed for over twenty years. Poland historically is a nation which did not aspire to the notion of empire, but rather found greatness within its borders through correctness, excellence, and respectability. COMMANDOpera has known many Poles over the years, and there is indeed a resolute steadfastness which is found within both men and women alike. They are a unique and proud people who extend their hand to outsiders cautiously these days. Here is a first hand example. Artistically within the milieu of opera today, there exists a baritone who in the opinion of COMMANDOpera, is unrivalled by any artist today or in recent memory within his vocal range: Mariusz Kwiecien. COMMANDOpera went live with an extensive profile on this critically important artist, which apparently was not precisely to Mr. Kwiecien’s liking. Unfortunately, affairs went south from that moment onwards due to a series of miscommunications between this venue and the artist through his management. Truly unfortunate, nevertheless, COMMANDOpera esteems Mr. Kwiecien greatly.

This is the rather edgy introduction to the Wielki Traviata:

“It’s better to burn out than to fade away
Kurt Cobain

The newest premiere of Treliński – Kudlička team returning to the Teatr Wielki – Polish National Opera with a production prepared specially for Warsaw’s public. In their productions the word-renowned duo enchants the public with stunningly beautiful stage images and departure from opera conventions. The director skillfully initiates a dialog with contemporary spectators, encouraging them to look for their own life reflections in the opera word. Traviata, one of the most popular operas, a work of Giuseppe Verdi, master of the genre, is an immortal story of impossible love, lack of fulfillment and sacrifice. The producer does not forget that the opera was a scandalous work and its world premiere shocked the public outraged by the fact that the main heroine is a prostitute. Interpreted by Treliński, who excels at drawing some mythical potential from realistic stories; the story of the profoundness of feelings and the dimension of sacrifice may become a new universal piece among his work.”

La Traviata. Photo credit: Mr. Krzysztof Bielinski courtesy of the Teatr Wielki 2010.

The opening night performance is under the baton of Mr. Miguel Gomez -Martinez. Miss Aleksandra Kurzak will portray Violetta Valery, Mr. Sebastien Gueze as Alfredo Germont, Mr. Andrej Dobber as Giorgio Germont. The roles are double cast as the performances run intermittently through May. Here is the direct link in English for your perusal.