THE DORSET Opera Festival continues to celebrate the bi-centenary of Verdi and Wagner’s birth this weekend with performances of La Traviata and The Flying Dutchman.

Acclaimed director Sir Jonathan Miller will be presenting his unique take on Verdi’s tragic masterpiece, La Traviata at the Coade Theatre in Bryanston tonight and tomorrow.

The resonant tale of society and morality combines compelling characters with moving melodies, making it one of the most emotionally engaging and popular operas of all time.

La Traviata tells the story of how a fallen woman, the beautiful but fragile courtesan Violetta, is coerced into sacrificing her personal happiness for the sake of her lover’s reputation.

Wagner’s spectacular opera, The Flying Dutchman will be taking over the same theatre tomorrow night for a stirring performance filled with extraordinary moments of beauty and longing.

Artistic director of Dorset Opera Festival, Roderick Kennedy said: “We are delighted that possibly Britain’s greatest living polymath, Sir Jonathan Miller has agreed to direct our new production of Verdi’s La Traviata.

“This is absolutely huge for the festival because people will come from all over the country to see one of his operas.”

The performances will take place at the 600-seat Coade Theatre set in the grounds of Bryanston School, Blandford amid 400 acres of beautiful Dorset parkland.