Royal Opera House, Covent Garden | London

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Das Rheingold - Das Rheingold is the first of the four operas that make up Richard Wagner's epic cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen. It was composed between 1851 and 1854 and premiered in Munich in 1869. The opera is set in a mythological world and tells the story of the creation of the world, the forging of a powerful ring, and the struggles of gods, giants, and other mythical creatures to possess it. The story begins with the three Rhinemaidens guarding the Rhine gold, which possesses the power to grant ultimate power to its possessor. The dwarf Alberich renounces love and steals the gold, forging a ring that gives him immense power. The gods, led by Wotan, ruler of the gods, plan to build a grand fortress called Valhalla using the giants Fasolt and Fafner as laborers. However, they refuse to work without the ring as payment. Wotan and his cunning advisor, Loge, travel to Nibelheim, the realm of the dwarves, to retrieve the ring from Alberich. They succeed, but Alberich curses the ring, predicting that it will bring destruction to anyone who possesses it. Back in Valhalla, Wotan tricks the giants into accepting the ring as payment, but they quickly realize its power and fight over it. Fafner kills Fasolt and takes the ring for himself. The opera ends with the gods crossing a rainbow bridge to enter Valhalla, while the Rhinemaidens lament the loss of their gold. Das Rheingold sets the stage for the subsequent operas in the cycle, exploring themes of power, greed, and the consequences of one's actions.

La Forza del Destino - La Forza del Destino is an Italian opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It premiered in 1862 and is based on a Spanish play called Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino by Ángel de Saavedra. The opera tells the story of Leonora, a young noblewoman who is in love with Don Alvaro, a Spanish nobleman. However, their love is forbidden by Leonora's father, who disapproves of their relationship. In a tragic turn of events, Leonora's father is accidentally killed by Don Alvaro, which sets off a chain of events that leads to their separation and a series of misfortunes. The opera explores themes of fate, love, and revenge, and is known for its powerful music and dramatic storyline.

L'elisir d'amore - L'elisir d'amore is an Italian opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti. It premiered in 1832 and is considered one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in the world. The story is set in a small Italian village and revolves around the love triangle between Nemorino, Adina, and Belcore. Nemorino is a poor peasant who is in love with Adina, a wealthy landowner. Adina is pursued by the arrogant Sergeant Belcore, who wants to marry her. In order to win Adina's heart, Nemorino buys a love potion from a traveling quack doctor named Dulcamara. The potion is actually just cheap wine, but Nemorino believes it will make Adina fall in love with him. Throughout the opera, there are comedic misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and heartfelt moments of love and longing. In the end, true love triumphs as Adina realizes her feelings for Nemorino and they are happily united.

Rigoletto - Rigoletto is an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It was first performed in 1851 and is based on the play "Le roi s'amuse" by Victor Hugo. The story is set in 16th-century Mantua, Italy, and revolves around the tragic life of Rigoletto, a hunchbacked court jester. Rigoletto is fiercely protective of his daughter, Gilda, and tries to keep her away from the corrupt and promiscuous Duke of Mantua. However, Gilda falls in love with the Duke and their secret affair leads to a series of tragic events, including betrayal, revenge, and ultimately, the death of Gilda. The opera explores themes of power, love, and the consequences of one's actions. It is known for its beautiful music and emotional intensity.

Jeptha - Jeptha is an oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel. It was first performed in 1752 and is based on the biblical story of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. The oratorio tells the tragic story of Jephthah's vow to sacrifice his daughter after a victorious battle. The music is filled with emotional intensity and dramatic moments, showcasing Handel's mastery of composition. The libretto, written by Thomas Morell, explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the consequences of rash promises. Overall, Jeptha is a powerful and moving work that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless story and beautiful music.

Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci - Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci are two separate one-act operas often performed together. Cavalleria Rusticana, composed by Pietro Mascagni, is set in a small Sicilian village on Easter Sunday. The story revolves around the love triangle between Turiddu, Santuzza, and Lola. Turiddu, a young soldier, is in love with Lola, who is married to Alfio. However, Turiddu's attention shifts to Santuzza when Lola leaves him. Santuzza, heartbroken and seeking revenge, reveals the affair to Alfio, leading to a tragic conclusion.  Pagliacci, composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo, is set in Calabria, Italy. It tells the story of a traveling troupe of actors led by Canio. Canio's wife, Nedda, is having an affair with Silvio, a local villager. The drama unfolds as the line between reality and performance blurs, leading to a climactic and tragic ending during a performance of the play within the play.  Both operas explore themes of love, betrayal, jealousy, and the consequences of actions. They are known for their emotional intensity and beautiful music.

Hansel and Gretel - The opera "Hansel and Gretel" is based on the famous fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. It was composed by Engelbert Humperdinck and premiered in 1893. The story revolves around two siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who get lost in the woods and stumble upon a gingerbread house owned by a wicked witch. The witch captures them and plans to eat them, but the children outsmart her and manage to escape. The opera is known for its beautiful music and enchanting storytelling.

Elektra - Elektra is an opera composed by Richard Strauss with a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. It premiered in 1909 and is based on the Greek myth of Electra. The story revolves around Elektra, the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, seeking revenge for her father's murder. After Agamemnon's death, Clytemnestra and her lover, Aegisthus, take control of the kingdom. Elektra, consumed by her desire for vengeance, waits for her brother Orestes to return and help her carry out their father's justice. The opera is known for its intense and dramatic music, reflecting Elektra's emotional turmoil and the dark themes of the story.

La boheme - La Boheme is an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It premiered in 1896 and is set in the Latin Quarter of Paris in the 1830s. The story follows a group of bohemian artists, including the poet Rodolfo, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard, and the philosopher Colline.  The opera begins on Christmas Eve, where Rodolfo and Marcello are struggling to keep warm in their freezing apartment. They are joined by Schaunard, who brings food, wine, and money from a job he just got. Colline arrives shortly after, and they all celebrate their good fortune.  Rodolfo stays behind while the others go out to celebrate, and a knock on the door interrupts his writing. It is Mimi, a seamstress from a neighboring apartment, who has come to ask for a light for her candle. Rodolfo is immediately smitten by her beauty, and they quickly fall in love.  Meanwhile, Marcello's former lover, Musetta, arrives with her wealthy older companion, Alcindoro. Musetta flirts with Marcello to make him jealous, and eventually, they reunite. However, their happiness is short-lived as Mimi's health deteriorates. She is suffering from tuberculosis, and despite Rodolfo's efforts to save her, she dies in the final act.  La Boheme is a tragic love story that explores themes of poverty, love, and loss. It is known for its beautiful music and emotional performances, making it one of the most beloved operas of all time.

Tosca - Tosca is an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It premiered in 1900 and is set in Rome during the Napoleonic era. The story revolves around the singer Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi, and the corrupt police chief Baron Scarpia. Tosca is a passionate and jealous woman who becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and betrayal. When Cavaradossi is arrested and sentenced to death, Tosca must make a difficult choice to save him. The opera is filled with dramatic moments, including a famous aria by Tosca called "Vissi d'arte" and a thrilling finale.

The Flying Dutchman - The Flying Dutchman is an opera composed by Richard Wagner. It tells the story of a cursed sea captain, the Dutchman, who is doomed to sail the seas for eternity unless he finds true love. The opera begins with the Dutchman's ship being spotted by a Norwegian captain, Daland, who offers him shelter. Daland's daughter, Senta, becomes fascinated by the legend of the Dutchman and dreams of saving him through her love. When the Dutchman arrives at Daland's home, he and Senta quickly fall in love. However, Senta's previous suitor, Erik, is jealous and tries to convince her to stay with him. Despite Erik's efforts, Senta remains loyal to the Dutchman and they declare their love for each other. In the end, their love breaks the curse and the Dutchman is finally able to find peace.

Madama Butterfly - Madama Butterfly is an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. It tells the tragic story of a young Japanese geisha named Cio-Cio-San, also known as Butterfly, who falls in love with an American naval officer named Pinkerton. They marry, but Pinkerton leaves shortly after the wedding, promising to return. Butterfly waits faithfully for him for three years, even though her family and friends urge her to move on. When Pinkerton finally returns, he brings his American wife with him, devastating Butterfly. She ultimately makes a heartbreaking decision that leads to her tragic end. The opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and cultural clash.

Carmen - Carmen is an opera composed by Georges Bizet with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy. It tells the story of Carmen, a seductive and free-spirited gypsy woman, and her love triangle with Don José, a soldier, and Escamillo, a bullfighter. The opera is set in Seville, Spain, and explores themes of love, jealousy, and fate. Carmen's irresistible charm and independent nature lead to tragic consequences for herself and those around her. The opera features iconic arias such as the "Habanera" and the "Toreador Song."

Lucia di Lammermoor - Lucia di Lammermoor is an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti with a libretto by Salvadore Cammarano. It is based on Sir Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermoor. The opera tells the tragic story of Lucia, a young woman who is forced into a loveless marriage by her brother, but ultimately descends into madness and kills her new husband on their wedding night. The opera is known for its beautiful melodies and dramatic vocal performances.

Andrea Chenier - Andrea Chénier is an opera composed by Umberto Giordano with a libretto by Luigi Illica. It is set during the French Revolution and tells the story of the poet André Chénier and his love for the aristocratic Maddalena. The opera explores themes of love, politics, and sacrifice as the characters navigate the turbulent times of the revolution. The story culminates in a tragic ending as André Chénier is sentenced to death by the revolutionary tribunal.

Cosi fan tutte - "Cosi fan Tutte" is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is a comedic opera in two acts, with an Italian libretto written by Lorenzo Da Ponte. The opera premiered in Vienna in 1790. The title "Cosi fan Tutte" translates to "Thus Do They All" or "Women Are Like That" in English.  The story revolves around two young soldiers, Ferrando and Guglielmo, who are engaged to two sisters, Fiordiligi and Dorabella. Their friend, Don Alfonso, challenges their belief in the fidelity of their fiancées and proposes a wager. He claims that all women are fickle and will eventually be unfaithful. The soldiers agree to the wager and pretend to be called away to war, only to return in disguise and attempt to seduce each other's fiancées.  Throughout the opera, the characters engage in a series of comedic and dramatic situations, testing the limits of love, loyalty, and trust. The sisters initially resist the advances of the disguised soldiers but eventually succumb to their charms. However, in the end, true love prevails, and the couples are reunited.  "Cosi fan Tutte" is known for its beautiful music, intricate vocal ensembles, and Mozart's skillful portrayal of human emotions. It explores themes of love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships. The opera is often performed and celebrated for its wit, humor, and timeless portrayal of the human condition.

Don Quixote - "Don Quixote" is a ballet based on the novel "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes. It was originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to the music of Ludwig Minkus. The ballet tells the story of Don Quixote, a delusional old man who believes he is a knight-errant, and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. Don Quixote embarks on a series of adventures in search of his ideal woman, Dulcinea. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including Kitri, a spirited young woman, and her lover, Basilio. The ballet is known for its lively and virtuosic dancing, as well as its colorful and vibrant costumes and sets.

Anemoi / The Cellist - Anemoi was created by First Soloist Valentino Zucchetti in 2021, emerging out of lockdown in energetic swathes of classical movement. Inspired by the Greek wind gods, Anemoi exemplifies the homegrown choreographer’s sophisticated contemporary style.  Cathy Marston’s flair for emotive storytelling shines through in The Cellist, a lyrical memoir of cellist Jacqueline du Pré’s life, which was tragically cut short by multiple sclerosis. Rich, poignant, joyous and tragic, the ballet is set to an exquisite score, itself a homage to the cello. 

The Dante Project - ‘This man is one who, from the deepest void in all the universe, has seen thus far’. Trailblazing forces of the contemporary dance, music and art scene combined in 2021 to breathe new life into Dante Aligheri’s Divine Comedy. Imaginative, poetic and introspective, The Dante Project follows the poet’s journey as he traverses through the shifting spheres of the afterlife.

The Nutcracker - "The Nutcracker" is a ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It is based on the story "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift. During the night, the nutcracker comes to life and takes Clara on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets, where she encounters various enchanting characters such as the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Mouse King. The ballet is known for its beautiful music and iconic dances, such as the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Waltz of the Flowers.

Manon - "Manon" is a ballet choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan. It is based on the novel "Manon Lescaut" by Abbé Prévost. The ballet tells the tragic love story of Manon, a young woman who is torn between her love for the impoverished student Des Grieux and her desire for wealth and luxury. The ballet is set in 18th-century France and features beautiful costumes and sets that transport the audience to the world of the French aristocracy. The music for "Manon" was composed by Jules Massenet and is known for its emotional depth and lyrical melodies. The ballet showcases a range of dance styles, including classical ballet, character dance, and pas de deux. It is a popular and frequently performed ballet that continues to captivate audiences with its compelling story and stunning choreography.

Festival of New Choreography - The Festival of New Choreography is a series of performances, events and activities taking place on the Main Stage, Linbury Theatre stage, Paul Hamlyn Hall and Clore Studio, that aims to embrace and champion new, diverse voices in choreography.   Part of The Royal Ballet’s commitment to choreographic innovation and nurturing the future of the art form, the festival will include an immersive new production by Robert Binet for The Royal Ballet in the Linbury Theatre co-produced by the National Ballet of Canada.

Swan Lake  - "Swan Lake" is a ballet composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. It tells the story of a princess named Odette who is turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. The ballet follows the love story between Odette and Prince Siegfried, who must break the curse in order to be together. The ballet is known for its beautiful music and iconic choreography, particularly in the famous "White Swan" pas de deux.

Danses Concertantes / Different Drummer / Requiem - Danses Concertantes, commissioned by Ninette de Valois in 1955, was MacMillan’s first major work. An early sign of the incredible artistic output that would follow, the work’s critical success spurred MacMillan to abandon performing in favour of choreography. It is followed by Different Drummer, MacMillan’s complex and haunting balletic interpretation of Woyzeck, Georg Büchner's play about a soldier’s descent into madness. The mixed programme concludes with Requiem, his 1976 work for Stuttgart Ballet, created in memory of its late artistic director, MacMillan’s friend and former Royal Ballet dancer and choreographer John Cranko. 

The Winter's Tale - "The Winter's Tale" is a ballet choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. It is based on the play of the same name by William Shakespeare. The ballet tells the story of King Leontes, who becomes consumed by jealousy and accuses his wife, Queen Hermione, of infidelity. This accusation leads to a series of tragic events, including the death of their son and the banishment of Hermione. However, the story takes a magical turn when Hermione's statue comes to life and forgiveness and reconciliation are ultimately achieved. The ballet features beautiful and intricate choreography, stunning sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky's enchanting music.

Les Rendezvoux / The Dream / Rhapsody - This mixed programme opens with the buoyant Les Rendezvous, a fizzing succession of dances following a group of friends who meet in a park. The Dream, Ashton’s witty and tender reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream, follows set to Felix Mendelssohn’s gossamer light music. The one-act ballet follows two pairs of mortal lovers, their fates at the hands of Oberon and Titania, the King and Queen of Fairies. Ashton’s lyrical masterpiece, Rhapsody, concludes the programme, its explosive jumps and fleet footwork a bravura match for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s virtuosic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

The Dream / Short Works / Rhapsody - Frederick Ashton’s masterful Shakespearian character study The Dream and his exhilarating ballet Rhapsody, created for the stellar talents of Mikhael Baryshnikov and Lesley Collier, come together again in this second mixed programme of Ashton ballets.   Completing the demonstration of the master choreographer’s abundant creativity is a selection of short works: Five Brahms Waltzes in the manner of Isadora Duncan, Ashton’s homage to the legendary dancer; Hamlet and Ophelia, a restaging of the Hamlet Preludechoreographed for Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev; plus The Walk to the Paradise Garden performed by Sarasota Ballet.

Das Rheingold - Conducted by Antonio Pappano, Christopher Maltman, Christopher Purves, Sean Panikkar, Marina Prudenskaya, Kiandra Howarth

La Forza del Destino - Conducted by Mark Elder, Sondra Radvanovsky, Brian Jagde, Igor Golovatenko, Evgeny Stavinsky, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya

L'elisir d'amore - Conducted by Sesto Quatrini, Nadine Sierra, Liparit Avetisyan, Bryn Terfel, Boris Pinkhasovich, Sarah Dufresne

Rigoletto - Conducted by Julia Jones, Stefan Pop, Amartuvshin Enkhbat, Pretty Yende, Gianluca Buratto, Ramona Zaharia

Jeptha - Conducted by Laurence Cummings, Allan Clayton, Jennifer France, Alice Coote, Cameron Shahbazi, Brindley Sherratt

Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci - Conducted by Daniel Oren

Cavalleria Rusticana - Aleksandra Kurzak, Roberto Alagna, Dimitri Platanias, Elena Zilio, Rachael Wilson

Hansel and Gretel - Conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, Anna Stéphany, Anna Devin, Darren Jeffery, Susan Bickley, Rosie Aldridge

Elektra - Conducted by Antonio Pappano, Nina Stemme, Sara Jakubiak, Karita Mattila, Łukasz Goliński, Charles Workman

La boheme - Conducted by Keri-Lynn Wilson, Ruzan Mantashyan, Saimir Pirgu, Mikhail Timoshenko, Danielle de Niese, Hansung Yoo

Tosca - Conducted by Karen Kamensek, Ausrine Stundyte, Marcelo Puente, Gabriele Viviani, Peter Hoare, Grisha Martirosyan

The Flying Dutchman - Conducted by Henrik Nánási, Bryn Terfel, Elisabet Strid, Stephen Milling, Toby Spence, Kseniia Nikolaieva

Madama Butterfly - Conducted by Kevin John Edusei, Asmik Grigorian, Joshua Guerrero, Lauri Vasar, Hongni Wu, Ya-Chung Huang

Carmen - Conducted by Antonello Manacorda, Aigul Akhmetshina, Piotr Beczala, Kostas Smoriginas, Olga Kulchynska, Blaise Malaba

Lucia di Lammermoor - Conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti, Nadine Sierra, Xabier Anduaga, Artur Ruciński, In Sung Sim, Andrés Presno

Andrea Chenier - Conducted by Antonio Pappano, Jonas Kaufmann, Sondra Radvanovsky, Carlos Álvarez, Katia Ledoux, Alexander Kravets

Cosi fan tutte - Conducted by Alexander Soddy, Golda Schultz, Samantha Hankey, Daniel Behle, Andrè Schuen, Jennifer France