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This new production of the Verdi classic staged by Laurent Pelly marks Ms. Dessay's third appearance in Santa Fe, following Amina in La sonnambula in 2004 and Pamina in The Magic Flute in 2006.

Alfredo will be sung by the young Albanian tenor, Saimir Pirgu. The role of Germont will be shared by Laurent Naouri and Anthony Michaels-Moore. Naouri was Escamillo in Santa Fe's Carmen in 2006; Michaels-Moore first appeared with the company as Simon Boccanegra in 2004; the two shared the title role in Falstaff last summer. Dr. Grenvil will be sung by American bass Harold Wilson.

Conductor Fr_d_ric Chaslin makes his Santa Fe Opera debut with these performances. A native of France, Chaslin has been resident conductor of the Vienna State Opera since 1997, and made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2002.

La Traviata will be performed July 3, 8, 11, 17, 24, August 4, 11, 17, 22, 26 and 29.

For further information visit Santa Fe Opera.

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Read our recent feature: 20 (PLUS) QUESTIONS WITH: Natalie Dessay