VERDI’S tragic tale, based on La Dame Aux Camellias, is performed with power and passion by the excellent Welsh National Opera.

This story of love and sacrifice, which echoes many similar romantic tales, continues to inspire and fascinate.

This production impresses with its very effective sets, which are extremely versatile and cleverly conceived, attractive costumes and sympathetic lighting. These elements combine to produce a performance of genuine integrity.

Not every operatic performance makes one feel that one is in the presence of genius, but this one does – for the role of Violetta is sung superbly by the sensational Joyce El-Khoury.

Her soaring voice is rich and sonorous – so well suited to the role, to which she brought grace and conviction.

The performance saw the excellent Paul Charles Clarke step into the role of Alfredo, due to the indisposition of Carlos Osuna.

Clarke is renowned as a master of the romantic role, and his glorious tenor voice is impressive.

The role of Alfredo’s father, Giorgio, is excellently sung by Jason Howard.

The other great star of the show is, of course, its composer, Giuseppe Verdi! La Traviata is renowned for its glorious arias and beautiful orchestral preludes – so that if you were not enthralled by the plot you could simply immerse yourself in the music.

The company’s superb orchestra, which could perform as a symphony orchestra, provides the remaining component that makes this a must-see production.

La Traviata is performed again at The Mayflower on Friday, March 30.