In the last scheduled Saturday matinee radio broadcast of its 2019-20 season, the Metropolitan Opera presents Donizetti’s riveting historical drama Maria Stuarda.
Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato sings the title role, in a performance from 2013, when the opera had its Met premiere. DiDonato is Mary Stuart, the deposed Queen of Scots, being held captive in England.
Soprano Elza van den Heever stars opposite her as Queen Elizabeth I, who sees Mary as a threat to her rule, and tenor Matthew Polenzani is the Earl of Leicester, whose love for Mary stokes Elizabeth’s jealousy.
The cast also features Matthew Rose and Joshua Hopkins, with Maestro Maurizio Benini conducting the Met orchestra and chorus in Donizetti’s powerful score.
This performance of Maria Stuarda, recorded live at the Met on January 19, 2013, will be heard over Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network at 1:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 9.
To read a summary of Maria Stuarda, click here.