Anna Bolena
Aug. 22, 23m, 25, 26, 28, 30m
David Štech, Conductor and Music Director
Anna Bolena (premiered in Milan in 1830) as the second of Donizetti’s four “Tudor” operas, preceded by Il castello di Kenilworth (1829), and later including Maria Stuarda (1834/35) and Roberto Devereux (1837). It is a fictionalized account of the last days of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, and mother of Elizabeth I. The masterful libretto by Felice Romani and an original cast that included two of the finest singers of the day, Giuditta Pasta and Giovanni Battista Rubini, combined with Donizetti’s formal innovations, made the piece a breakout composition in his output. dell’Arte Opera Ensemble last presented Anna Bolena in 2010 at Theatre 80 St. Marks. The cast of that production have distinguished themselves well, with Met debuts by Matthew Anchel and Blythe Gaissert; Cherry Duke serving as a vibrant teacher at University of Texas, El Paso; Kirk Dougherty navigating a strong regional solo career with appearances at Sarasota Opera, Wichita Grand Opera, Utah Festival Opera, etc.; and Jill Dewsnup, who in addition to her solo appearances has served in the choruses of the Metropolitan Opera and the Chicago Lyric Opera.