The post-slap portions of “La Traviata” maintain the high emotional pitch Verdi is known for in all of his works. Mr. Spierman said performing the opera in English fully opens it up to an American audience.

He added that the last time he conducted “La Traviata” for his company, over a decade ago, a woman came backstage to tell him she had been going to the opera and crying to it for over 50 years.

“Tonight was the first time I really knew what I was crying about,” she told him. 

"La Traviata" will be at Hofstra University’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse in Hempstead on Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 18, at 5 p.m. Tickets cost from $15 to $30, with $5 discounts for seniors and students. For tickets and information, call (516) 463-6644 or go to www.tickets.com.