Don Carlo
Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Nicholas Hytner’s eagerly awaited production of Verdi’s grandest opera is a stirring panorama of 16th-century history, political ambition and personal emotions. King Philip II of Spain (Ferruccio Furlanetto) realizes that his new wife Elisabetta (Marina Poplavskaya) does not love him but instead has fallen for his libertarian son, Don Carlo (Rolando Villazon). With the threatened vengeance of the spurned Princess Eboli and the conflict between the ideals of Rodrigo and the Grand Inquisitor in the battle for the King’s influence, this is a drama of power and psychology on an epic scale. Based on Schiller’s play, this major new production uses Verdi’s Italian version of 1886, with a stunning international cast under conductor Antonio Pappano. Nicholas Hytner – known for his theatre direction with the National Theatre and for such films as The Madness of King George as well as for opera – directs, while acclaimed international stage designer Bob Crowley contributes spacious and stylized sets alongside period costumes.

“Nicholas Hytner directs with such vivid forcefulness – and such psychological acuity – that Verdi's great rumination on theocracy emerges in its full beauty and menace. Transcendent performances!” - Michael Church, The Independent

Shot at Covent Garden in High Definition -- June 2008
Duration 265 Minutes (est)

Children (Under 12) $10.00 | Seniors/Students $20.00 | Adults $22.50
Purchase 3 Show Pack: Seniors/Students $50.00 | Adults $60.00