The production will begin performances at the Royal Ballet and Opera House on the 30th November and will run until the 18th December
It has been confirmed that Director Philipp Stölzl makes his Royal Opera debut with a playfully surreal new production of Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball), running on the Main Stage 30 November – 18 December 2026.
Stölzl’s career spans music video, film and opera, with credits ranging from videos for Madonna and Mick Jagger to productions at Deutsche Oper Berlin, Staatsoper Berlin and Dutch National Opera. As both director and designer, he is joined on the creative team by costume designer Antony McDonald, lighting designer Gerrit Jurda and movement director Sarah Fahie.
A love triangle. A conspiracy. A murder foretold. Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera (A Masked Ball) invites you to a twisting world of political and personal tension, all culminating in one treacherous night on the dance floor.
Royal Opera Music Director Jakub Hrůša conducts Verdi’s score, with a cast headed up by Charles Castronovo who performs the role of Gustavo III, the love-struck king. As his love interest, Malin Byström performs the role of Amelia and Aleksei Isaev is Count Anckarstroem, Amelia’s husband. Katharina Konradi performs the role of Oscar whilst Anita Rachvelishvili and former Jette Parker Artist Kseniia Nikolaieva, returning in the Programme’s 25th year, share the role of fortune teller Madame Ulrica Arvidson.
They are joined by JPA alumni Ossian Huskinson returns to the Main Stage as Count Ribbing and second year Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono performs the role of Minister of Justice. Armand Rabot and Edward Hawkins make their house debuts as Cristiano and Count Horn respectively.
To book tickets visit: https://www.rbo.org.uk/production/un-ballo-in-maschera-philipp-stolzl