Les Arts continues its new production of the Tudor Trilogy, with the premiere of ‘Maria Stuarda’

• Maurizio Benini, on the podium, and Jetske Mijnssen, on stage, resume their successful artistic collaboration that began with 'Anna Bolena' in 2022
• Eleonora Buratto, Silvia Tro Santafé, and Ismael Jordi reprise their roles in the cast of Donizetti's second opera dedicated to the intrigues surrounding Queen Isabella.

The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía continues its new production of Gaetano Donizetti's Tudor Trilogy with the premiere of 'Maria Stuarda' this Sunday, December 10th in the Main Hall.

The artistic director of Les Arts, Jesús Iglesias Noriega, presented today this second installment of the project, made in co-production with the Dutch National Opera of Amsterdam and the Teatro San Carlo of Naples, which focuses on one of the “most controversial and fascinating historical figures of her time: a woman involved in political, social and religious changes that would mark a new course in the history of Europe.”

At the press conference, he was accompanied by Maurizio Benini, musical director, Jean-François Kessler, stage director of the revival of the production; and the soprano Eleonora Buratto, protagonist of the work.

Jesús Iglesias Noriega has highlighted that 'Maria Stuarda' is one of the essential titles for lovers of 'bel canto' not only for the beauty and vocal demands of its score, but also for the strength of its dramaturgy: "a love triangle, two queens facing each other for a throne and a man."

In his speech, Iglesias Noriega recalled the excellent reception of 'Anna Bolena' in 2022, which began "Les Arts' first major operatic project in this new stage" and which will conclude in the 2024-2025 Season with the premiere of 'Roberto Devereux'.

“The Tudor Trilogy at Les Arts represents an ambitious and well-considered artistic endeavor,” he explained, “for which a leading artistic and musical team has been assembled within the current operatic scene.”

Maurizio Benini, one of the most renowned experts in bel canto, will conduct the three productions in Valencia. A regular guest conductor at the most prestigious opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, the Vienna State Opera, and Covent Garden in London, he received excellent reviews for his work with the Cor de la Generalitat and the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana last season.

Jetske Mijnssen is in charge of the staging, with set design by Ben Baur, costumes by Klaus Bruns, lighting by Cor van den Brink and choreography by Lilian Stillwell, which will conclude with the premiere of the last of the titles in the trilogy, 'Roberto Devereux'.

This second installment of the Trilogy pits Elizabeth I, Queen of England, against Mary Stuart, exiled Queen of Scotland, in a fierce struggle that has as much to do with power as with love and moral rectitude.

In 'Maria Stuarda', the Dutch director proposes a less realistic staging than 'Anna Bolena', delving deeper into the characters' fears, nightmares, and obsessions. Mijnssen considers the role of Elisabetta (Queen Elizabeth) crucial, in addition to that of Maria. Her aim is to present both women as complex, multi-layered characters.

After their acclaimed performances in 'Anna Bolena', they return in 'Maria Stuarda', with soprano Elenora Buratto in the lead role, mezzo-soprano Silvia Tro Santafé and tenor Ismael Jordi.

Buratto, who will debut in Valencia in all three leading roles of the Trilogy, tackles one of the most formidable soprano scores, one that has been immortalized by the genre's greatest divas. Silvia Tro Santafé will sing the role of Elisabetta (Queen Elizabeth) at Les Arts, a signature role in her repertoire, for which she has received excellent reviews. Meanwhile, Ismael Jordi, who won the Talía Prize for his performance in 'Anna Bolena' at Les Arts, will reprise his role as Leicester in Valencia, following his success in the premiere of this co-production at the Dutch National Opera.

'Maria Stuarda' also marks the return to Les Arts of the emerging bass from Alicante, Manuel Fuentes (Giorgio Talbot), who debuted in Valencia in 'La Bohème' in 2022, and the rising baritone Carles Pachon, who, after his acclaimed Dandini in 'La Cenerentola', will sing the role of Lord Guglielmo Cecil. The cast is completed by Laura Orueta (Anna Kennedy), a former student of the Centre de Perfeccionament.

'Maria Stuarda' premieres on Sunday, December 10th, at 6:00 p.m. The remaining performances will take place on the 13th, 16th, 19th and 22nd of this month.