THE Russian State Ballet and Opera House is poised to return to Swindon with Verdi’s La Traviata – a love story shrouded in sacrifice.

The timeless tragedy, with its haunting arias, transports the audience to the entrancing world of French high society in the 1850s.

La Traviata, or the fallen woman, is Violetta, a courtesan whose life is a round of endless parties until a young nobleman, Alfredo Germont, convinces her to live in the country with him.

The couple are deeply in love and all is blissful contentment until meddling by Alfredo’s father threatens the relationship. He warns Violetta that the affair is threatening the family’s honour. Desperate to save Alfredo from disgrace she leaves their rural idyll and returns to Paris and into the arms of another.

Shadowing Violetta is the disease that so often afflicted morally questionable 19th-century women: consumption.

La Traviata combines compelling characters with hugely powerful and instantly recognisable melodies, making it 162 years after its 1853 debut, one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time.

“No experience is needed to enjoy this classic,” said Alexej Ignatow, producer of The Russian State Ballet and Opera House. “Our sets and costume designs, as well as the informative programmes make the production very accessible and most of all, enjoyable. English subtitles make it easy to follow the story as you listen to the performance sung in its original language.”

The score encompasses an astonishing range of moods, from Alfredo’s aristocratic charms to Violetta’s vivid effervescence, perfectly captured in her toast to life and free will, Libiamo ne’ licit calici, (let’s drink from the joyful cups) and Sempre libera (always free) - a vocal showpiece to rival any other.

La Traviata is an opera in three acts, set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave and based on La Dame aux Camélias.

It will appear at the Wyvern Theatre on Wednesday, September 16 at 7.30pm. Ticket prices start at £30. To book call the box office on 01793 524481 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.