“...drama on a grand scale...crammed with power, treachery, passion and murder from start to finish.”
- Jessica Duchen, BBC Music Magazine
A masterpiece of modern opera, Mary, Queen of Scots by Thea Musgrave will have its ENO premiere on February 15 with a second performance to follow on February 18. The libretto, written by the composer herself, is based on the play Moray by Amalia Elguera. Mary, the Catholic Queen of Scotland and widowed Queen of France, has been invited by the Protestant Lords to return and assume the Scottish throne. A struggle to the death ensues as she vies for control with the powerful men around her.
Mary, Queen of Scots was commissioned and premiered by Scottish Opera in 1977, nearly 50 years ago. ENO’s production is directed by Stewart Laing and conducted by Joana Carneiro. American soprano Heidi Stober will make her ENO debut in the title role, accompanied by baritone Alex Otterburn as James Stewart, Earl of Moray, tenor Rupert Charlesworth as Lord Darnley and John Findon as Earl of Bothwell.
Thea Musgrave, herself Scotland-born, has been one of classical music’s most revered living composers for nearly seventy years. She has recently completed a new work for BBC Radio 3 as part of their series highlighting the first 25 years of the century with 25 newly commissioned works. In Memoriam: 2022 for oboe, violin and orchestra will pay homage to the late Queen and feature Johan Dalene and Nicholas Daniel as soloists.
Read Thea Musgrave’s Recent Interview in The Times
Listen to the Mary, Queen of Scots on Spotify
