Maria Stuarda Programme Book 2022

OPERA WITHOUT BORDERS
DIEGO FASCIATI
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
One of the facets of opera that fascinates me is how this
artform transcends national borders and cultures. Maria
Stuarda is based on historical events that unfolded in England
and Scotland, re-imagined by a German playwright, Friedrich
Schiller, and transposed to the operatic stage by an Italian
composer, the prolific Gaetano Donizetti. We will have another
example of “multi-national” opera in our next season, when
we present William Tell by Rossini: the story of a mythical
Swiss hero, retold by the same German playwright and set to
music to a French libretto by an Italian composer then living
in Paris. As a child, I saw a film version of Maria Stuarda on
television. Though I had no idea who Mary Stuart or Elizabeth I
were, I was gripped by the drama and the music. I have never
seen this opera live on stage and I am greatly looking forward
to hearing our top-notch cast, chorus and orchestra bring this
gem of a bel canto opera to life.
Last month we unveiled our 2022–23 season which
comprises over 60 live performances of eight operas on
20 different stages. In addition, we will present concerts
and other special events as well as roll out an expanded
education and outreach programme. It is astonishing how
quickly we have expanded as a company since our launch in
2018. Our growth and development would of course not be
possible without the firm and committed support of The Arts
Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon, to whom we are very grateful.
The reach and depth of our programme would also not be
possible without the support of our passionate INO members:
individual donors whose donations help ensure the future of
opera in Ireland.
The season will begin and end with two perennial audience
favourites – Puccini’s thriller Tosca and Mozart’s school for
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