A scorching face-off that is both personal and political, and ultimately proves to be fatal. This opera pits Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and Mary Stuart, the exiled Queen of Scots, against each other in a fierce struggle that is as much about power as it is about love and moral righteousness. Bel canto composer Donizetti created a ravishing score for this opera that is both melodic and deeply moving, delivering plenty of emotional intensity as the lethal conflict between the two historical queens unfolds
Two queens, one throne
Although, historically speaking, Elisabeth I and Mary Stuart never actually met, a potential encounter between the two has formed the stuff of fantasy for writers, painters and composers over the centuries. Donizetti too drew inspiration from this concoction, creating a spine-tingling showdown that sizzles with vocal fireworks as the two queens hurl insults at each other, culminating in Stuarda’s “Vil bastarda”! (“Vile bastard!”). Elisabeth’s emotions get the better of her and she becomes ruthless in her pursuit for vengeance.
Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy
Maria Stuarda (1835) is the second instalment of Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy that is being presented over a period of three seasons, with Dutch director Jetske Mijnssen delving deep into the psyches of these complex characters. A common thread in her staging of the trilogy is Elizabeth’s life and the trauma she has suffered. The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra will bring Donizetti’s score to life from the pit, under the baton of Enrique Mazzola – a world-class specialist of the bel canto repertoire. Marina Rebeka, one of the very few singers of our time to master all three Donizetti queens, promises to wow in this production’s title role. She will share the stage with young, up-and-coming Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina who will sing the role of Elizabeth.
Performance information
Opera in three acts - sung in Italian
Libretto Giuseppe Bardari
Musical direction Enrique Mazzola
Stage direction Jetske Mijnssen
Set design Ben Baur
Costume design Klaus Bruns
Dramaturgy Luc Joosten
Choreography Lillian Stillwell
Elisabetta Aigul Akhmetshina
Maria Stuarda Marina Rebeka
Leicester Ismael Jordi
Giorgio Talbot NN
Lord Guglielmo Cecil NN
Orchestra Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Chorus Chorus of Dutch National Opera
Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper
Coproduction with
Teatro San Carlo (Napels) and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Valencia)
