References
- Mary Stuart (Maria Stuarda) by Gaetano Donizetti. Melbourne Opera proudly presents a new production of Donizetti's dramatic masterpiece, not seen in Melbourne for more than 40 years. Led by acclaimed Australian conductor and Donizetti specialist Richard Divall, the superb cast features Rosamund Illing as Queen Elizabeth 1 with Elena Xanthoudakis returning from London to make her debut as the doomed Mary Stuart. Henry Choo, Phillip Calcagno, Eddie Muliaumaseali'i and Caroline Vercoe are supported by the Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra. The new production will be directed by Suzanne Chaundy whose recent production of Der Freischutz was a fantastic success.
- Mary Stuart (Maria Stuarda) In a time of political and religious turmoil, Queen Elizabeth is an absolute monarch, responsible to no-one but herself and God. Yet without an heir, her crown and the stability of the country she rules is in peril. Her royal council is convinced she must marry, she is determined not to do so. Elizabeth has kept her cousin Mary Queen of Scots, the Catholic traitor, prisoner for nineteen years. If Mary lives she is a threat to the throne; if she dies, Elizabeth must live with blood on her conscience. having executed one of her own family.
