Donizetti: Roberto Devereux - a concert performance in Italian

Queen Elizabeth's rule over her nation is ironclad, but a secret passion threatens to consume her. At court, the Earl of Essex faces whispers of treason amidst rumours about his relationship with the Queen. Behind her formidable public persona hides a fragile heart that aches to reconnect with a suitor whose loyalties are uncertain. She must decide whether to sign his death warrant in an impossible choice between love and country.

This tale of love, lust and betrayal in the Tudor royal court strays a long way from history, but makes a sensational plot.

Roberto Devereux contains some of Donizetti's most spine-tingling melodies including the emotional Vivi, ingrato, a lei accanto performed by Elizabeth I as her world falls apart around her in a heart-rending finale. This opera contains his best portrait of Elizabeth, and its energetic overture manages to incorporate an anachronistic rendition of ‘God save the Queen.’

Bel canto specialist Helena Dix returns to Chelsea Opera Group to sing Elizabeth and the Chorus and Orchestra of Chelsea Opera Group are conducted by Gary Matthewman.

We are sad to report that Christopher Turner has had to withdraw from singing the title role in this performance, following the sudden death of his father. We send him deepest condolences at this time. Chelsea Opera Group is extremely grateful to the tenor Eleazar Rodríguez for replacing him at short notice.