Tonight is the opening performance of The Force of Destiny at the English National Opera’s home of the London Coliseum, in the first new production of Verdi’s tragic love story to appear at the venue for twenty years.
Directed by Calixto Bieito, it is a rare chance to see the production at the English National Opera which was last performed at the venue in 1992.
The Force of Destiny will be conducted by the English National Opera’s Music Director Mark Wigglesworth will be conducting throughout the run.
It is a co-production with the Metropolitan Opera, a relationship that has blossomed over the last decade. Previous collaborations includes Nixon in China, Doctor Atomic , The Pearl Fishers and Eugene Onegin.
The opera is based on the Spanish drama Don Álvaro o la fuerza del sino (1835)by Ángel de Saavedra and tells the story of Don Alvaro and Donna Leonora. Leonora’s father curses her as he lays dying. Although his death is accidental, Don Alvaro and Donna Leonora are forced to flee as her brother Don Carlo di Vargas pursues them, determined on revenge. Can they escape before he catches up with him?
The Force of Destiny sees Calixto Bieito return to the English National Opera for his fifth production, known for his distinctive take on classic operas, his latest production is set during the Spanish Civil War.
Meanwhile Mark Wigglesworth conducts his second production for the company since becoming the ENO’s new Music Director in September 2015.
The cast will include Welsh tenor Gwyn Hughes-Jones making his role debut as Don Alvaro, soprano Tamara Wilson as Donna Leonora, British baritone Anthony Michaels-Moore sings the role of Don Carlo di Vargas and Israeli born mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham makes her ENO debut as the gypsy Preziosilla.
Sets for the production have been designed by Rebecca Ringst, costume design is by Ingo Krugler, with video design by Sarah Derendinger and lighting by Tim Mitchell.
The Force of Destiny opens tonight (9th November) and will run for 8 performances until the 4th December. To book tickets visit: ENO website, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk , Discount Theatre.com, Love Theatre.com .