Maria Stuarda
(Mary Stuart)
Music by Gaetano Donizetti
November 10, 14, 16, 18, 2007
In Italian with English Surtitles
Libretto by Giuseppe Bardari
after the play by Friedrich Schiller
The core of this opera is the fictional confrontation between Mary Stuart, previously the Catholic Queen of Scotland, and the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth has been advised to execute Mary and is jealous of the Earl; of Leicester's romantic interest in her. The opera builds to the moment of confrontation when political, religious and romantic tensions simmer over, resulting in Mary's condemnation and eventual execution. The opera is recognized as one of Donizetti's most persuasive and dramatic scores which culminates in an uncommonly affecting final scene.
Austrian soprano Gabriele Fontana sings the title role of Maria Stuarda. She has appeared in leading roles with the Bayrische Staatsoper, Vienna State Opera, Glyndebourne Festival, and the Bregenz Festival and is in great demand in Europe for her interpretations of Leonora (Fidelio), the Marschallin (Der Rosenkavalier) and Senta (Der Fliegende Holländer). Argentine soprano Fabiana Bravo makes her Baltimore Opera debut as Queen Elizabeth following impressive performances with Washington Summer Opera and Virginia Opera. Miss Bravo joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera and debuted at San Francisco Opera, New York City Opera and Michigan Opera Theatre. Tenor Gregory Kunde is regarded as one of the most elegant bel canto singers on the operatic stage, bringing impeccable phrasing and dramatic intensity to every role he undertakes. He has become a favorite among area bel canto fans for his performances as Arturo in I Puritani and Elvino in La Sonnambula. The opera will be conducted by Andrea Licata, noted for his command of the Italian repertoire. Maestro Licata appears frequently with the Baltimore Opera Company and has conducted La Fanciulla del West, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore and Tosca.
Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes including one intermission.
Tickets available August 27, 2007
Dining Options for Maria Stuarda:
Enjoy a gourmet dinner or brunch catered by the Brass Elephant Restaurant, backstage at Casa Michele prior to any performance. Complete with a personal pre-opera lecture. Click here for details...
OR
For $100 get an orchestra level seat and a three course dinner at Gertrude’s at the BMA. Offer only good on Wednesday 11/14 and Friday 11/16. Call the Box Office for details. Not valid with other offers or discounts.
Sample Audio
"Ah! Quando
all'ara scorgemi" |
"Figlia impura
di Bolena" |
Maria Stuarda – Montserrat Caballé; Elisabetta – Shirley Verrett; Leicester – Ottavio Garaventa. Orchestra and Chorus of La Scala, Milan. Conductor – Carlo Felice Cillario. Recording – Opera D’oro OPD-1163, courtesy of Opera D’oro (Live recording) |
|
| CAST | |
| Mary, Queen of Scots | Gabriele Fontana |
| Queen Elizabeth I | Fabiana Bravo |
| Anna | Madeleine Gray |
| Leicester | Gregory Kunde |
| Talbot | Stephen Gaertner |
| Cecil | John Marcus Bindel |
| Conductor | Andrea Licata |
| Stage Director | Elizabeth Bachman |
 Gabriele Fontana |
 Fabiana Bravo |
 Madeleine Gray |
 Gregory Kunde |
 Stephen Gaertner |
 John Marcus Bindel |
 Andrea Licata |
 Elizabeth Bachman |