Adriana Mater - English National Opera Tickets

Picking up where Tosca, which you can also watch this season, leaves off, Adriana Mater explores the aftermath of war, where women are left to pick up the pieces. Amid a brutal civil war, Adriana is assaulted by a soldier and becomes pregnant. She names her son Yonas, choosing to raise him with love and hope, while shielding him from the brutal truth about his father. But years later, the young Yonias discovers the truth of his origins and becomes consumed by a desire for revenge. Now Adriana must convince her son that true strength lies not in murder but in mercy, and that only by breaking the male cycle of violence can their country truly be healed.

This powerful and rarely staged opera was written by Kaija Saariaho, who was named 'Greatest living composer' in a 2019 BBC Music Magazine poll, and who is undoubtedly one of the most influential voices in contemporary classical music of the last half-century. Her music blends electronics with live instruments to create a distinctive, shimmering sound world. This opera is a collaboration between Saariaho and the writer and war correspondent Amin Maalouf, inspired by his experiences and Saariaho's reflections on motherhood. This ENO debut unites Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and Music Director Designate André de Ridder in their first collaboration. The title role will be performed by Kristina Stanek, making her ENO debut in this harrowing, powerful story of war, redemption, and motherhood.

Book now and be prepared to be moved to tears by this rare performed and utterly stirring opera.