La traviata - Sempre libera (Pretty Yende, The Royal Opera)

Pretty Yende performs the famous aria Sempre libera from The Royal Opera's La traviata. Catch Encore screenings of Verdi's opera in cinemas on 17 April.

The courtesan Violetta lives and breathes the glamour of Parisian high society, but she has never known love – until she meets Alfredo. Abandoning her hedonistic existence for a new life in the country, Violetta receives a surprise visit from Alfredo’s father, who exposes the cruelty of society’s double standards – and accelerates her tragic demise.

Giuseppe Verdi’s riches-to-rags opera has it all: from the intoxicating joy of the ‘Brindisi’ party chorus, to the hushed poignancy of the final act, where hope teeters on the edge of despair. Richard Eyre’s elegant production returns, conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti, Renato Balsadonna and John Wilson and staring Pretty Yende, Angel Blue, Hrachuhí Bassenz and Kristina Mkhitaryan as Violetta and Stephen Costello, Dmytro Popov and Liparit Avetisyan as Alfredo.

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[msjapan]

Great thing about Pretty is that she doesn't have that egoistic air of an operatic diva. She is so natural yet brilliant. I also like her hand expression. Everything is so original and real.

[carolae.]

Bright and crystal sound, as well as beautiful expression. A joy to listen and experience this aria.

[lenanona-px]

This suits her voice so well. Great to hear her having grown into it as I thought she lightened the instrument too much in the past. Now it’s more Leontyne-like. Love it!

[cliffdelaney]

The control she has over her voice is like a good surgeon and their knife: unbelievably precise! What a talent!

[gudrunw]

I saw it live, it was a marvellous performance!

[Nastya]

Magnificent voice! Stunning look! And vocals on point.

[munkylemon]

A beautiful performance and she looks STUNNING!

[gassanshakar]

She sings it so… effortlessly…real talent

[lucaraimondi]

I was lucky to see live at the Royal opera House 3 times.. What a joy. Love her. She is so good...

[audiblycalm]

She is STUNNING. what a gorgeous performance

[andrewcorals]

what a beautifully clear voice :) we're lucky to have her

[BangkokVoiceCoach]

That must have been wildly exciting to witness in the theatre. ❤️🎶

[joandebruin]

An excellent voice-Pretty Yende from South Africa.

[sanjohnson]

Omg I so happy I have discovered this beautiful face n voice....😇😇😇😇

[nikanovacic]

Beautiful! You look and sound like a princess!

[diesel]

Last thurstday there was brilliant concert im National Opera house in Warsaw- performing Artur Ruciński and Pretty Yende What i can say:) amazing, tromendous. That's the power of opera that wił never ever finish!!

[zenaniv]

Stunning, Pretty! You are beyond amazing ❤️

[kagitsune]

I first saw her in Fille Du Regiment, she's a miracle!!!

[ellaritter]

Absolutely wonderful! Flawless performance!