La Traviata
A A star cast perform one of Verdi's greatest masterpieces, the heart-wrenchingtragedy of the tart with a heart of gold - based on a real-life story. The courtesan Violetta, who is mortally ill, renounces her chance of true love, because her reputation will taint her beau's sister. Presented by John Shea.
New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Valery Gergiev Act
7.05 Interval: Letter from the New World
Though born in the USA, novelist Claire Messud has three passports and feels she is "passing" as an American with a cobbled-together identity.
7.30 Act 2
8.35 The Met Opera Quiz Thor Eckert puts listeners' questions to Martin Bernheimer , Henry Fogel and Christopher Purdy.
Send questions to Met Opera Quiz, FDR Station, PO Box 805, New York, NY10150orviawww.bbc.co.uk/radio3.
8.55 Opera Snaps By creating an art work about a courtesan, Verdi was bound to upset "decent" society. Alexandra Wilson looks at the double standards of his day.
9.05 Act 3