The company, which opened its 2022 season last night with Bohème on the Beach at Glenelg, has collaborated with Opera Queensland and West Australian Opera to create the production.

It will see London-based Australian soprano Lauren Fagan make her Australian operatic debut as Violetta, the courtesan at the centre of Verdi’s tragic love story.

“Verdi’s writing is vocally and emotionally all-encompassing and requires a commitment and journey unlike any other role I’ve performed to date,” Fagan said in a statement.

“Although Violetta is an absolute pleasure to perform, it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.  No matter how many times I perform her, I have to admit I always get a little nervous – it is an epic role.”

Performing opposite her as Alfredo will be Australian-Chinese tenor Kang Wang, with the production also featuring Australian baritone James Roser, local opera singers, the State Opera ensemble and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.

It will be the first work directed for State Opera by Helpmann-nominated theatre and opera director Sarah Giles, who has previously directed works for companies including Sydney Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, State Theatre of South Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Victorian Opera.

“La Traviata is one of the greats and I know that award-winning opera and theatre director Sarah Giles and her design team will produce a visually stunning, moving and unforgettable production,” said artistic director Stuart Maunder.

La Traviata will be presented at Her Majesty’s Theatre from August 25 to September 3.