- Event: Maria Stuarda – Hungarian State Opera
- Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
- Time: 18:00 CET
- Venue: Hungarian State Opera, Budapest
- Streaming platform: OperaVision
- Access: Free live stream; available on demand until 16 November 2025
Cast:
- Maria Stuarda: Klára Kolonits
- Elisabetta: Gabriella Balga
- Anna Kennedy: Melinda Heiter
- Robert Dudley: Juraj Hollý
- Lord Guglielmo Cecil: Norbert Balázs
- Giorgio Talbot: István Kovács
Creative Team:
- Music: Gaetano Donizetti
- Libretto: Giuseppe Bardari
- Conductor: Martin Rajna
- Director: Máté Szabó
- Set Designer: Csaba Antal
- Costume Designer: Anni Füzér
- Lighting Designer: Sándor Baumgartner
- Video Designer: Zsombor Czeglédi
- Choreographer: Gergely Csanád Kováts
- Dramaturg: Enikő Perczel
- Chorus Director: Gábor Csiki
✨ About the Performance
The Hungarian State Opera presents its first-ever production of Gaetano Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, a powerful bel canto opera based on Friedrich Schiller’s play about the tragic fate of Mary, Queen of Scots. This new staging, directed by Máté Szabó and conducted by Martin Rajna, delves into the psychological complexities and political tensions between Mary and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Soprano Klára Kolonits performs the role of Mary Stuart, while mezzo-soprano Gabriella Balga appears as Queen Elizabeth. The cast is joined by the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Chorus, presenting Donizetti’s score in this new production.
This performance will be streamed live from Budapest on OperaVision, offering audiences worldwide the opportunity to experience this historic Hungarian premiere.
🔍 Overview: The Story of Maria Stuarda
Act I
At the Palace of Westminster, Queen Elizabeth I is courted by a French envoy proposing marriage to the King of France. Elizabeth hesitates, still harboring feelings for the Earl of Leicester, who has grown distant. Amidst the festivities, protests erupt, demanding mercy for Mary Stuart, imprisoned for years.
Talbot, Mary’s confidant, and Lord Cecil, Elizabeth’s advisor, present opposing views: Talbot urges clemency, while Cecil advocates for Mary’s execution. Elizabeth, torn, sends Leicester to deliver her response to the French proposal.
Privately, Talbot gives Leicester a letter and portrait from Mary, pleading for his help. Moved, Leicester convinces Elizabeth to visit Mary under the guise of a hunting trip.
At Fotheringhay Castle, Mary enjoys a rare moment outdoors with her companion, Anna. Leicester arrives, encouraging Mary to appeal humbly to Elizabeth. When Elizabeth confronts Mary, tensions escalate. Mary, provoked by Elizabeth’s accusations, lashes out, calling her a “vulgar whore” and “bastard of Anne Boleyn.” Enraged, Elizabeth orders Mary’s return to prison.
Act II
Cecil presents evidence of Mary’s involvement in a Catholic plot against Elizabeth. Though hesitant, Elizabeth signs the death warrant. Leicester pleads for Mary’s life, but Elizabeth remains resolute.
In prison, Mary accepts her fate. She confesses to Talbot, seeking absolution. As she prepares for execution, Mary maintains her dignity, praying for peace and forgiveness. She bids farewell to Leicester and faces her death with grace, hoping her sacrifice brings reconciliation.
Subscribe to our newsletter