Running time approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

Sung in German with surtitles in English and Welsh

Pre-performance talks at 6.15pm except Friday 17 September at 5.30pm & 6.15pm.

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This production originated at Opéra de Bordeaux

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Act 2
In chains and near to death Florestan is reconciled to suffering for the sake of truth. In his fever he imagines he sees his wife Leonore leading him to freedom before he collapses, unconscious.

Fidelio and Rocco set to work preparing the grave. Although she cannot make out the prisoner’s features, she resolves to save him, whoever he may be. Fidelio Fidelio offers him wine and bread. Florestan thanks her without realising who she is. Rocco gives the signal and Pizarro enters. He determines to kill both the grave-diggers but first he gloats over his victim’s powerlessness. Florestan remains calm. As Pizarro is about to stab him, Fidelio steps between them, reveals her identity and produces a pistol. At that moment the trumpet call is heard, signalling the arrival of the minister. Rocco and Pizarro leave to greet Don Fernando. Alone together Leonore and Florestan can hardly express their relief and joy.

The minister arrives with a large crowd. Don Fernando explains that the ‘best of kings’ has sent him to relieve those suffering under tyranny. He is horrified when he recognises the prisoner kneeling at his feet as his friend Florestan. Marzelline learns of Fidelio’s identity. Rocco reveals Pizarro’s plot and the crowd demand his punishment. Don Fernando asks Leonore to free her husband from his chains.