Opera Integra: Roberto Devereux

OPERA INTEGRA‘s next project (following The Merry Wives of Windsor and Lucia di Lammermoor at St Peter’s last year) is Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux, the least performed of his “Tudor queens” series. Anna Bolena and Maria Stuarda are presented regularly, but not so this opera – but, why?. Musically it is superb, with extraordinary arias and duets (as would be expected), but it is the psychological aspects of the drama that intrigue.

Elizabeth I is trapped in her role of head of state and seeks to punish Devereux for his intransigence in quelling a rebel uprising, but also seeks to punish him for not being in love with her – and unknown to her, her rival in love is her closest female aide, Sara. Added to that, Sara’s cuckolded husband is Devereux’s close friend, Nottingham. The uncovering of each of these relationships is the engine that drives the drama, mixed up with the real dilemma for Elizabeth of having to choose duty to the country over the demands of her heart.

Opera Integra present Roberto Devereux at St Peter’s Hammersmith on Saturday 17th June at 7.30pm.

Tickets available on the door (card or cash) or in advance online at www.operaintegra.org.uk. Tickets include a glass of wine (or soft drink) during the interval.