ABAO Bilbao Opera opens its season in October with Giuseppe Verdi's La forza del destino , a romantic drama filled with scenes of moving lyricism and elegance, alternating with comic and satirical passages, where Verdi's creative passion transforms a complex story into a masterpiece. This four-act opera is one of the most unique in Verdi's repertoire and tells the story of the unhappy love of Leonora, daughter of the Marquis of Calatrava, and Don Álvaro, a descendant of the Inca royal family.
Cilea's most celebrated opera, Adriana Lecouvreur , arrives in November with the premiere of a new co-production by ABAO Bilbao Opera, with the spectacularity that characterizes stage director Mario Pontiggia, which presents a striking, classical and traditional stage design and luxurious costumes. With a verist feel, the story is inspired by the real life of legendary actress Adrienne Lecouvreur and pits the protagonist's passion against the jealousy of the Princess of Bouillon, both in love with the young Maurizio. A tale of fiery passions, political intrigue, jealousy, and ill-fated love that ends in tragedy.
2025 marks the beginning of the French Romantic opera: Jules Massenet's Werther , based on Goethe's classic epistolary work "The Sorrows of Young Werther," which deals with the profound experience of love that fails to find happiness. This lyrical drama in four acts and five scenes with an extremely romantic pitch tells the story of impossible love between Werther and Charlotte and stands out for its delicate melodic line and elegant orchestral covering.
Donizetti's historic duel of queens, Maria Stuarda , returns for the third time in February at ABAO Bilbao Opera. This vibrant work from the Bergamo composer's trilogy of queens, packed with stunning musical and theatrical moments, is an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy an exceptional work. A lyrical tragedy that delves into the dramatic historical rivalry between two queens: Mary Stuart, Catholic and Queen of Scotland, and Elizabeth I, Protestant and Queen of England. One is imprisoned by order of the other. A man between them balances loyalty and love. A cry of "You vile bastard!" is the impassioned insult that leads Mary to the gallows, accused of treason.
Giordano's verismo tragedy, Andrea Chénier , closes the season in May. It's a must-see, an intense and dramatic opera filled with moving and poignant melodies, featuring well-known arias such as the famous "La mamma morta." This historical drama delves into social issues and covers themes such as hatred, violence, civil war, resentment, class struggle, love, and romance in the context of the French Revolution, with a creative interpretation of the life and death of poet Andréa Chénier.
