Opera North, England will play a new production of Maria Stuarda by Gaetano Donizetti (1834) in spring 2010.
One of Donizetti’s most dramatic and affecting works, Maria Stuarda charts fact and fictional events leading to Mary Queen of Scots execution. Donizetti originally courted controversy by addressing such powerful material and the opera was initially banned.
Two exceptional singers return to Opera North, Sarah Connolly to sing Mary Queen of Scots (Romeo in I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Autumn 2008) and Antonia Cifrone sings Elizabeth I (Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Spring 2008). Both will bring charisma and drama to the lead roles of this bel canto opera.
The centrepiece of this opera is the fictional confrontation between Mary Stuart, the Catholic Queen of Scotland, and the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. The opera builds to the moment of conflict when political, religious and romantic tensions simmer over, resulting in Mary's condemnation and eventual execution. The opera is recognised as one of Donizetti's most persuasive and powerful scores and culminates in an exceptionally affecting final scene.
Antony McDonald is well known at Opera North for his set designs and will make his directorial debut with this production, joined by the widely travelled conductor Guido Johannes Rumstadt. -- www.operanorth.co.uk
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