Cancelled: Donizetti: Roberto Devereux - a concert performance in Italian

Donizetti: Roberto Devereux – a concert performance sung in Italian with English surtitles.

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, in grato, a lei accanto performed by Elizabeth I as her world falls apart around her in a heart wrenching 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 Grouyp to sing Elizabeth and the Chorus and Orchestra of Chelsea Opera Group are conducted by Dane Lam.