Opus Arte

Plácido Domingo’s star turn in the title role of Verdi’s opera Simon Boccanegra won rave reviews from around the world, earlier this year. The stunning production, filmed live at the Royal Opera House, has now been released on DVD

Photo © Catherine Ashmore

Plácido Domingo stars in the title role of Verdi’s opera Simon Boccanegra at the Royal Opera House this month (until 15 July). Domingo has often sung the tenor role of young revolutionary Gabriele Adorno in this opera (including for The Royal Opera in 1997). Now he is tackling the baritone role of political master and former corsair Simon Boccanegra, Doge of Genoa.

As the first rays of summer warm the English countryside, the outdoor music season emergences from the wings and takes centre stage. Now in its 14th year, Opera Holland Park is gearing up for another season of interesting and eclectic live performance in one of London’s prettiest parks.

©Richard Thomas 2006

Dates have been released for the entire Royal Opera House 2010-11 season and booking is now open for all performances.

The new season kicks off with Così fan tutte, an opera buffa, or comic opera, by Mozart...

© Peter Suranyi (8/8/2009)

The first opera of 2011 at the Royal Opera House is Il barbiere di Siviglia, the barber of Seville, a deft comedy from the pen of Rossini. It is performed here by a young cast, endeavouring to capture the playfulness and witty touches of this Italian opera from 1816...

© Peter Suranyi (8/8/2009)

© Leon Brocard (2/5/2005)

29 March 1871 – The Royal Albert Hall opened in London. The purpose of the new venue was the advancement of the Arts and Sciences and works of industry of all nations, as per the vision of the Royal Consort, Prince Albert. Wagner, Verdi and Elgar all conducted their first UK performances of their own works in the Royal Albert Hall, and it remains one of London’s most prestigious venues.