Most recent performance

There are currently no scheduled performances of Adriana Lecouvreur. It was last on stage 7 February—2 March 2017 as part of the Winter 2016/17 season.

The Story

Background

The death of French actress Adrienne Lecouvreur inspired many plays and operas, of which Francesco Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur is the finest and most enduring. The opera would become Cilea’s greatest success, renowned particularly for his heroine’s arias ‘Io son l’umile ancilla’ in Act I and ‘Poveri fiori’ in Act IV – though Cilea’s atmospheric and elegant score offers much more besides, with Maurizio’s aria ‘La dolcissima effigie sorridente’, the Act III ballet and Adriana’s intense spoken recitation at the end of that act particular highlights.

David McVicar’s 2010 production was The Royal Opera’s first since 1906. For it, set designer Charles Edwards re-created to exacting detail a working Baroque theatre, similar to the 18th-century Comédie-Française in which the real Adrienne would have performed. Sumptuous period costumes designed by Brigitte Reiffenstuel complete a spectacular production that delves into the intoxicating allure of the theatre.

News and features

• Your Reaction: What did you think of Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur 2017?

  8 February 2017

  

  Your thoughts on David McVicar's sumptuous production of this tragic opera.

• Set piece: The challenges of re-creating a Baroque theatre for The Royal Opera’s Adriana Lecouvreur

  1 February 2017

  

  Covent Garden’s production of Cilea’s best-known work features a spectacular working model in homage to a golden age of theatre.

• Adriana Lecouvreur musical highlight: Princesse de Bouillon’s aria ‘Acerba voluttà, dolce tortura’

  19 January 2017

  

  Cilea writes a fiery, impassioned aria for his villainess – proof that in opera, even baddies can be pitiable.

• Who was the real Adrienne Lecouvreur? The true story behind Cilea's opera

  18 January 2017

  

  The French actress’s glamorous life and sudden death inspired countless tales of murderous crimes of passion – including Adriana Lecouvreur.

• Opera Essentials: Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur

  12 January 2017

  

  Our quick introduction to Cilea’s impassioned theatre tragedy, sumptuously realized in David McVicar’s Royal Opera production.

• 10 of opera's greatest mezzo-soprano roles

  19 December 2016

  

  Carmen isn’t the only sensual starring mezzo role – we round up some of our favourites, from Donizetti to Birtwistle.