Do not miss the Royal Opera Covent Garden’s production of Un Ballo in Maschera – the Masked Ball, one of Verdi’s most beautiful, exciting and moving operas. The promising new German director Katharina Thoma makes her Covent Garden debut, and veteran Israeli conductor Daniel Oren will be at the pit.
The story
Riccardo, a leader much loved by his people is surrounded by conspirators. He has a shameful secret: he ais in love with Amelia, wife of his closest friend and loyal minister, Renato.
Renato walks in on a meeting between Amelia and Riccardo. Furious, he decides to be part of a conspiracy to assassinate his master. At a masked ball in the catle he stabs Riccardo. With his last breath, Riccardo forgives Renato and avows for Amelia’s innocence.
Cast & dates
Friday 2nd January, Tuesday 6th January, Tuesday 13th January, Saturday 17th January – 2015
Riccardo – Joseph Calleja
Amelia – Liudmyla Monastyrska
Renato – Dmitri Hvorostovsky
For more information – http://www.roh.org.uk/
For the true opera buffs – Covent garden is currently offering special packages for those interested in tickets for more than one production.
The writer Idit Arad is a Professional singing teacher and International opera singer.