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Maria Stuarda

Gaetano Donizetti

New Production

What would have happened had Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots met face to face? A thrilling imagining of this showdown is at the heart of Maria Stuarda. Donizetti’s riveting opera transports you to a Britain at war with itself and overcome by uncertainty and strife.

Rudolf Frey’s production shines a light on the striking parallels between the two heroines: the imprisoned Mary and Queen Elizabeth; a woman shackled by the demands of office.

Supported by a lead gift from the Peter Moores Foundation 'Swansong Project'. Supported by the WNO Friends and the WNO Idloes Owen Society.

"Madeleine’s costume designs are quirky twists on period dress. We’re looking forward to bringing them to life"
Sian Price, Head of Costume

Free Pre-performance talks
Prior to every performance of The Tudors operas.

Fact and Fiction
History has inspired great artists to create thrilling re-imaginings of historical events. Set in the splendour of some of the finest National Trust properties, Fact and Fiction combines costumed operatic performances in with the perspectives of historians and historical novelists. If you are making time to see all three operas, Fact and Fiction is the perfect way to spend the middle afternoon of a consecutive cycle. Tudor themed refreshments are available.

At home with The Tudors
Explore The Tudor Merchant’s House in Tenby with fi gures from the age of The Tudors. The House will be brought to life with the sounds of Donizetti’s operas during this hour long experience. A speaker will put Donizetti’s operas into historical context. This event in the picturesque seaside town of Tenby is the perfect excursion during the complete Tudors cycle in Swansea.

A Tudor Day Out
Visit two of the finest Tudor buildings on this special coach trip to Speke Hall and Little Moreton Hall. On your way to the properties our speaker will give a special talk putting the properties and The Tudors into context. Lunch will be served at Little Moreton Hall. Ticket includes talks, coach travel, entry to the properties and lunch.

The Whole Story
The perfect way to prepare for The Tudors. Two weeks before performances begin, our team of experts will guide you through the music, stories and background to each opera.

Bel Canto Masters: Donizetti
As we begin our journey through the classics of the bel canto repertoire, a specialist speaker will provide a guide to the life and work of Gaetano Donizetti.

David Pountney in Conversation
David Pountney talks to members of The Tudors’ creative team about bringing this epic experience to the stage.

Conductor Graeme Jenkins (until 7 Nov)
Robin Newton (from 14 Nov)
Director Rudolf Frey
Designer Madeleine Boyd
Lighting Designer Matthew Haskins

Cast includes
Queen Elizabeth Judith Howarth
Mary Stuart Christine Rice
Leicester Bruce Sledge
Talbot Alastair Miles
Cecil Gary Griffiths

All performances start at 7.15pm (except 22 September at 4pm and 10 October at 7pm)

Running time approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including one interval

Sung in Italian with surtitles in English (and Welsh in Cardiff, Swansea and Llandudno)

WNO and The National Trust are working together in partnership to support the performances with a rich programme of events at Trust properties including Tredegar House, Plas Newydd and The Tudor Merchant’s House, Tenby. Visit wno.org.uk/nt for details of the events. Trust members are entitled to priority booking for these events through the properties until 1 May.

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