Royal Opera House celebrates Diamond Jubilee
Free exhibition showcases the Queen’s long association with the Royal Opera House.
A new Royal Opera House Collections exhibition opens this Saturday to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Bringing together a collection of photographs and programmes from the Royal Opera House archive, the exhibition illustrates Queen Elizabeth II’s connection with the Royal Opera House.
The Queen first visited the Royal Opera House as a young Princess in 1939, when she attended a performance of Little Red Riding Hood. In 1953, her coronation was marked by a performance of Britten’s Gloriana, composed in honour of the occasion. A new production of the opera, directed by Richard Jones, will be staged as part of the 2012-13 season.
Her Majesty has since attended a range of special performances and galas to celebrate anniversaries, including her Silver and Golden Jubilee. View our gallery of performance programme covers.
The exhibition will also include a section on Queen Victoria, who celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
The exhibition is opposite the Royal Opera House shop inside the Covent Garden Piazza entrance, and will be open from the 2 June to the 24 July, 10am – 8pm.
Please note that over the Diamond Jubilee Weekend, the Royal Opera House will be closed on Sunday and Monday. The exhibition will only be open on Saturday 2 June from 10am – 8pm and Tuesday 5 June from 4pm – 8pm.
You forgot to mention the Royal Ballet in your article. HRH was at the opening of the ROH in 1946 - The Sleeping Beauty. Also in 1953 Sir Frederick Ashton created Homage to the Queen.
Dear Paul
Thank you for flagging up those important moments in the history of the Royal Opera House, and the Royal Ballet.
Best wishes
Ellen