Donizetti: Maria Stuarda (Teatro Real, Madrid 2024, directed by Roussillon)

Gaetano Donizetti's tragic opera "Maria Stuarda" depicts the ruthless rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, who is portrayed as a martyr standing against the illegitimate Queen of England. The opera fell victim to censorship at its premiere and was plagued by problems during rehearsals, but today it is considered one of Donizetti’s great operatic masterpieces. From the extravagant, lyrical confrontations of the queens to the poignant final scene of the execution, this acclaimed production by David McVicar captivates with monumental stage designs and magnificent Elizabethan costumes that bring to life the majesty and merciless brutality of Elizabeth I’s reign. In recent years, director David McVicar has boasted an enviable series of celebrated opera productions, including a previous staging of "Maria Stuarda" at the Metropolitan Opera in 2013. His production at the Teatro Real captures the dangers and tensions faced by women in a male-dominated political world—a historical context that remains relevant today. For this staging of Donizetti's masterpiece, the Teatro Real presents an outstanding cast led by José Miguel Pérez-Sierra. American soprano Lisette Oropesa, who was named "Female Performer of the Year" at the 2024 International Opera Awards, sings the title role.