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Giuseppe Verdi – Joseph Méry, Camille du Locle

Don Carlos

Duration
3 h 35 min, incl. interval
When
31.1.2025 – 6.3.2025
Where
Main Stage
Genre
Opera
Price range
30–138 €
Language
Italian. Surtitles in Finnish, Swedish and English
Age recommendation
12+
Good to know
The performance contains scenes with intense flashing lights.

Huge operatic forces take no prisoners

Political scheming, a harrowing love triangle, and magnificent music. In Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, Don Carlos, Elisabeth is married to King Philip of Spain, but her heart belongs to his son, Don Carlos. Yet, the political machinations of the state prove more powerful than their profound emotions.

In this opera classic, love and politics give rise to Verdi’s affecting melodies. Merging the themes of unattainable love and the desire for freedom, Don Carlos emerges as one of Verdi’s most intricately woven operas. The story has been inspired by historical figures: King Philip II of Spain, his son Don Carlos, and Queen Elisabeth de Valois, who ruled Spain in the 16th century.

The stunning new production premieres at the Finnish National Opera in spring 2025.

Don Carlos is a co-production between The Royal Danish Theatre, Finnish National Opera and The Norwegian National Opera.

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      synopsis

      Background

      King Philip II reigns over Spain. He had originally arranged for Don Carlos, his son and heir to the throne, to wed the French princess Elisabeth de Valois. At the last moment, however, the King decides to secure the political alliance by marrying the princess himself. Elisabeth and Carlos become stepmother and son, though they have already fallen in love.

      Act I

      Crown Prince Don Carlos visits the monastery where his grandfather, Emperor Charles V, retired after abdicating the throne. It is uncertain whether the former emperor is still alive. Rodrigo, the Marquis of Posa and a close friend of Carlos, arrives and urges him to go to Flanders, where people are suffering under Spanish oppression. Supporting Flanders’ struggle for freedom would distract Carlos from his sorrows and grant him the political power he desires.

      Princess Eboli, a member of the court, is passing the time in the palace garden with her ladies-in-waiting. Eboli sings a song implying her jealousy. The Queen soon joins them, and Rodrigo delivers a message from Carlos. Elisabeth and Carlos meet, awakening the King’s suspicions.

      The King confides in Rodrigo, impressed by his directness. Realising that the King’s favour could help Flanders’ cause, Rodrigo agrees to undertake a clandestine mission.

      Act II

      Carlos arrives at the secret meeting, only to discover that it is not Elisabeth who awaits him. The forbidden love between Carlos and the Queen is at risk of being exposed, and Rodrigo steps in as a mediator. Carlos is unsure whose side Rodrigo is truly on.

      In a public square, preparations are under way for a state celebration and a ceremonial execution. Unexpectedly, Carlos appears with a delegation from oppressed Flanders, openly challenging his father, the King.

      Act III

      Carlos has been imprisoned. Alone in his study, King Philip II is confronted by the Grand Inquisitor, who demands harsh measures against dangerous ideas. He threatens the King should he fail to comply.

      After the Grand Inquisitor’s departure, Queen Elisabeth enters, followed by Princess Eboli and Rodrigo. The King’s suspicions of the Queen’s infidelity come to a head. Wracked with remorse, Eboli confesses all to Elisabeth. She is determined to save Carlos.

      Rodrigo vows to sacrifice himself for his friend, but as he visits Carlos in prison, he is struck down by an assassin sent by the Inquisition. The King witnesses this, and soon Eboli arrives with a crowd demanding justice. They fall silent in fear upon the Grand Inquisitor’s appearance. Carlos, however, has already slipped away.

      Act IV

      Queen Elisabeth meets Carlos in secret to help him flee to Flanders, but the enemies of the Crown Prince are already closing in. Carlos has found inner peace regarding his love for Elisabeth, but has Elisabeth resolved her feelings?

      Auli Särkiö-Pitkänen

      Gallery

      creative team

      Music
      Giuseppe Verdi
      Libretto after a play by Friedrich Schiller
      Joseph Méry, Camille du Locle
      Conductor
      Hannu Lintu, James Hendry
      Director
      Davide Livermore
      Sets
      Gio Forma
      Costumes
      Mariana Fracasso
      Lighting design
      Antonio Castro
      Video design
      D-Wok studio

      cast

      Philip II
      Timo Riihonen
      Elisabeth de Valois
      Silja Aalto
      Elisabeth de Valois
      Nina Bezu
      Don Carlos
      Stefan Pop
      Don Carlos
      Andrea Shin
      Princess Eboli
      Margarita Gritskova
      Princess Eboli
      Dorothea Spilger
      Thibaut
      Emma Mustaniemi
      The Grand Inquisitor
      Mika Kares
      The Grand Inquisitor
      Roberto Scandiuzzi
      The Grand Inquisitor
      Volodymyr Tyshkov
      An old Monk
      Janne Sihvo
      A Voice from Heaven
      Saara Kiiveri
      A Voice from Heaven
      Iris Candelaria
      The Count of Lerma
      Jasper Leppänen
      A Royal Herald
      Yusniel Estrada Viciedo

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      tickets and performances

      The performance includes several short pauses for set changes, during which the auditorium is dimly lit, and the audience remains seated. The interval begins when the curtain falls and bright lights are switched on.

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