Verdi's popular opera is given a fresh look by the Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa making its first visit to the UK.

Verdi's take on double standards among the bourgeoisie of Second Empire France is a superb blend of singing and music where every aria should be a Number One hit and every note of the music is an orchestral masterpiece.

La Traviata - it translates as "the fallen woman" - tells the story of Violetta, a courtesan who falls for a provincial merchant's son.

Dad doesn't like the idea of his son living with a courtesan and urges Violetta to put an end to the relationship. She does, there is a duel and the lover, Alfredo, flees abroad. The couple are only reunited on her deathbed.

Verdi wrote his finest music for La Traviata with a spell-binding overture and a heart-meltingly beautiful prelude to the last act.

The songs are terrific, each one carefully crafted to give the maximum emotion, and there is lots of scope for fabulous party scenes in Acts One and Three.

And even if you're not a great opera-goer, you will recognise much of the music, especially the Drinking Song in Act One and Alfredo's father's Come Home song from Act Two.

The Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa is promising a truly traditional production set firmly in the 1860s with all the lavish costumes you might expect, plus a full orchestra and chorus.

The Odessa company was first formed in 1809 and among its many patrons was Russian poet Pushkin, who immortalised the opera house in his splendid poem Eugene Onegin.

The woman behind the tour is Ellen Kent of Opera International, who has been responsible for touring Eastern European opera companies for several years now.

She said: "I am proud to present this prestigious company. I am sure it will be a huge success."

Call 0870 900 9100 for tickets.