Donizetti: Anna Bolena

Donizetti's first major international operatic success was with Anna Bolena, which first premiered on December 26, 1830 at Milan's Teatro Carcano.  It's a heady mix of dramatic arias and rousing ensembles with what must one of the greatest Mad Scenes in opera, Lucia of course excepted.  In fact Anna's Mad Scene paves the way for Lucia's, in particular her duet with flute.

It's rarely performed but since the La Scala production mounted for Maria Callas in the 50's has had somewhat of a resurgence.  Beverley Sills and Dame Joan Sutherland became the opera's champions following Callas and in recent years the opera has seen a rise in popularity due largely to the occasional diva willing to tackle to role's challenges - Anna Netrebko, Elena Mosuc and Sondra Rodvanovsky deserving a special mention.

In about just under a months time Donizetti's Anna Bolena makes her reappearance on the Australian stage, the first since June 4, 1875.  OperaBox is delighted to present this beautiful Bel Canto offering to Australian audiences with Jenna Roberstson as Anna Bolena, Henry Choo as Percy and Michael Heap as Enrico VIII, as part of the Perth Fringe World Festival 2015.  You can purchase tickets here.

Here is a recording of the Overture, one of Donizetti's best.  I've been listening to this a lot in these past few months as I design the decor for the show.  It will surely get you humming along while you book your tickets! 

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