Step into the world of the demimonde with Verdi's masterpiece La Traviata. In digging into this opera, we’ll look at 19th-century courtesans and Marie Duplessis, the real-life courtesan who tangentially inspired La Traviata. That conversation is with Professor Andrew Lear. Violetta in the opera, famously dies from tuberculosis. I spoke with infectious disease expert Dr. P. J. Brennan about the disease. Then, horticulturist Karl Gercens of Longwood Gardens shares what makes the camellia, Violetta’s favorite flower, so special. Sex Worker Advocate Lola Davina talks about her journey as a sex worker and gives us a bit of a reality check on sex work in the 21st century. Finally, today’s reigning Violetta, having sung the role over 300 times, Ermonela Jaho is with us on Front Row Center.

There's also a La Traviata playlist for this podcast which you can check out at the Front Row Center Playlist.

To learn more about Mike, visit his website, michaeljbolton.com.

Finally, if you share the name Michael Bolton or know someone who does and might be interested in being interviewed for a new podcast, email me at mike@michaeljbolton.com.