Roberto Devereux Donizetti
Archived: 2018/2019Overview
Featuring some of Donizetti’s most spine-tingling melodies this powerful production has a dramatic intensity and a striking design guaranteed to leave your heart racing.
Roberto Devereux has been accused of treason. In order to gain his freedom he simply has to present the ring his lover, Queen Elizabeth I, has bestowed upon him. But Devereux is secretly in love with Sara, who he refuses to renounce, leaving Elizabeth heartbroken and compelled to sign his death warrant.
Roberto Devereux contains some of Donizetti’s most spine-tingling melodies including the emotional Vivi, in grato, a lei accanto performed by Elizabeth I as her world falls apart around her in a heart wrenching finale. WNO’s critically-acclaimed production has a dramatic intensity and a striking design guaranteed to leave your heart racing.
Bachtrack
The Stage
Good to know
Sung in Italian, with surtitles in English (and Welsh in Cardiff and Llandudno)
Facts
Donizetti not only composed over 70 operas, 16 symphonies, 19 string quartets and 193 songs, he also found time to conduct.
The costumes in this production were inspired by British fashion designer, Vivienne Westwood.
Synopsis
Queen Elizabeth I’s lover, Roberto Devereux, is accused of treason. Her attempts to save him are frustrated when she discovers that he loves another woman. Devereux must meet his inevitable end and the Queen must face old age and death alone.