The Royal Opera House in London stands as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence, entrenched in the heart of Covent Garden. And this year, they’re putting on Tosca!
With a rich history dating back to 1732, this iconic institution has flourished as a premier venue for opera and ballet. The Royal Opera House serves as the home for both The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, with its grand auditorium renowned for its superb acoustics and opulent architecture.
Boasting a reputation for staging world-class performances, it continues to captivate audiences with an eclectic repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works.
This year, the Royal Opera House is staging Jonathan Kent’s captivating production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” Set against the turbulent backdrop of Rome in 1800, this gripping opera follows the tragic tale of the singer Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi, and the sinister chief of police, Baron Scarpia. Renowned for its dramatic intensity and hauntingly beautiful arias, Kent’s production brings a fresh perspective to the timeless classic with striking set designs and powerful performances. Audiences can expect a night of thrilling drama and sublime music, as “Tosca” remains one of the most emotionally charged works in the operatic repertoire.
The Royal Opera House in London stands as a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence, entrenched in the heart of Covent Garden. With a rich history dating back to 1732, this iconic institution has flourished as a premier venue for opera and ballet. The Royal Opera House serves as the home for both The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, with its grand auditorium renowned for its superb acoustics and opulent architecture. Boasting a reputation for staging world-class performances, it continues to captivate audiences with an eclectic repertoire ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary works. Each production is carefully curated to reflect both the rich traditions and innovative spirit that define this esteemed institution.
This year, the Royal Opera House is staging Jonathan Kent’s captivating production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” Set against the turbulent backdrop of Rome in 1800, this gripping opera follows the tragic tale of the singer Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi, and the sinister chief of police, Baron Scarpia. Renowned for its dramatic intensity and hauntingly beautiful arias, Kent’s production brings a fresh perspective to the timeless classic with striking set designs and powerful performances. Audiences can expect a night of thrilling drama and sublime music, as “Tosca” remains one of the most emotionally charged works in the operatic repertoire.
This year, the Royal Opera House is staging Jonathan Kent’s captivating production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” Set against the turbulent backdrop of Rome in 1800, this gripping opera follows the tragic tale of the singer Floria Tosca, her lover Mario Cavaradossi, and the sinister chief of police, Baron Scarpia. Renowned for its dramatic intensity and hauntingly beautiful arias, Kent’s production brings a fresh perspective to the timeless classic with striking set designs and powerful performances.
ACT I
Cesare Angelotti, a Consul of the former Roman Republic, has escaped prison and seeks refuge in the Church of Sant’Andrea della Valle. The painter Mario Cavaradossi, a Republican sympathizer working in the church, promises to help him. Angelotti hides as Cavaradossi’s lover Floria Tosca arrives. The lovers’ meeting reveals Tosca’s passionate love and jealousy. When Tosca has gone, Cavaradossi instructs Angelotti to dress in the disguise left for him and hide at Cavaradossi’s villa. Baron Scarpia arrives at the church, suspecting Cavaradossi of hiding Angelotti. When Tosca returns, Scarpia uses a fan left by Angelotti to make her believe that Cavaradossi is having an affair. Tosca leaves for Cavaradossi’s villa, and Scarpia instructs his assistant Spoletta to follow her and track down Angelotti.
ACT II
Scarpia has arrested Cavaradossi and summons Tosca to his apartment, forcing her to listen as Cavaradossi is tortured in the next room. Tosca reveals Angelotti’s hiding place. Scarpia condemns Cavaradossi to death but tells Tosca that he will free her lover if she will offer herself to him. In agony, Tosca agrees, and Scarpia tells her he will arrange a mock execution. As Scarpia embraces Tosca, she fatally stabs him.
ACT III
As dawn approaches, Cavaradossi waits for his execution at the top of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Tosca arrives and tells him what she has done. She instructs him on how to pretend to die in the mock execution. When the soldiers shoot, Tosca is impressed with her lover’s acting. However, Scarpia has double-crossed her and Cavaradossi really is dead. As Spoletta’s men arrive to arrest her for Scarpia’s murder, she leaps from the battlements to her death.
Audiences can expect a night of thrilling drama and sublime music, as “Tosca” remains one of the most emotionally charged works in the operatic repertoire.
Get more info and tickets at the Royal Opera House