Stanislavsky Theatre
Performed in Italian Premiere of this production: 25 Jun 2025 The performance has 2 intermissions Running time: 4 hours The Stanislavsky Theatre, located in XIX century historical building just 750 metres (9-minute walk) from the Bolshoi, offers audiences the unique opportunity to enjoy world-class opera in an intimate and elegant setting. This new production brings together exceptional singers and musicians who have performed on the stage of the Bolshoi Theatre and were trained at the very same prestigious Russian academies as the artists of the Bolshoi. Their artistic mastery and expressive power breathe new life into Donizetti’s dramatic masterpiece. Opera at the Stanislavsky Theatre is the great and affordable alternative to the Bolshoi. Don’t miss this exceptional premiere — a powerful bel canto tragedy performed by the finest voices of the Russian opera stage. The Moscow Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Academic Music Theatre presents the premiere of Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Anna Bolena, staged by director Sergey Novikov and conducted by the theatre’s chief conductor Felix Korobov. Scenography and costumes are designed by Ivan Skladchikov, with lighting by Damir Ismagilov. The world premiere of Anna Bolena took place almost 200 years ago — in 1830 in Milan. It was Donizetti’s 33rd opera and marked a turning point in his career. Although he was already celebrated as a master of comic opera, this lyrical tragedy brought him international acclaim and established him as one of the leading Italian composers of his time. For the Russian opera stage, Anna Bolena remains a rarity — largely because it requires an exceptional command of bel canto style and great dramatic sensitivity from its performers. Sergey Novikov remains faithful to the original libretto and dramatic structure of the work. The action unfolds, as Donizetti intended, in 16th-century England during the Tudor reign. Against the backdrop of royal splendour, and the ruthless intrigues of the court, the tragic fate of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII, is revealed. The scenic design by Ivan Skladchikov also serves the historical authenticity of the production, recreating the period with meticulous detail: from castle interiors and tapestry art to costumes in the fashion of the 16th century. Special thanks to the State Hermitage Museum and the Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre for their support in preparing this production. SynopsisACT I Windsor The entire court knows that King Henry VIII, after the loss of his unborn son by Anne Boleyn, has grown cold toward the queen. Jane Seymour, Anne’s closest lady-in-waiting, has become Henry’s new infatuation. Their relationship began during the queen’s second pregnancy and with her consent. Now, however, the king has decided to make Jane his official favorite, a decision that will bring Anne great suffering. This deeply troubles Jane, who is sincerely devoted to the queen. The court musician Mark Smeaton dreams of Anne. He sings her a serenade about an unattainable first love. This frightens Anne, reminding her of her own first attachment to Lord Percy. She tries to conceal her agitation, though not very successfully. Jane is alone when Henry enters. It is obvious to her that he no longer loves his wife, yet she is not prepared to become a third queen at the cost of her sovereign’s blood. The Park of Windsor Castle Lord Percy has arrived in London by order of the king, but also in the hope of seeing Anne, who was once his first love. He does not hide his feelings in conversation with Rochefort, Anne’s brother. Surrounded by their retinue, the king and queen enter, preparing for the hunt. The king has laid a trap for his wife: before the entire court he announces that Anne was the one who saved Percy from royal disgrace. Anne is embarrassed. Despite Rochefort’s efforts to smooth over the awkwardness, Henry notices her reaction. The king orders that both the lord and the queen be kept under surveillance. The Queen’s Boudoir Smeaton is alone, suffering because he must conceal his feelings for the queen. Anne and Rochefort enter; Rochefort urges his sister to receive Percy. The former lovers are left alone. After hearing Anne’s refusal, Percy resolves to die and draws his sword… Suddenly Smeaton appears. Taking the scene for an attempt on the queen’s life, he too draws his sword. Rochefort tries to stop the duel. At this moment the king, Jane, and the court enter the queen’s chambers. Seeing several men in his wife’s rooms at once, the king accuses them of conspiracy and adultery. Tragically, while attempting to justify himself before His Majesty, Smeaton accidentally drops a medallion bearing the queen’s portrait. The guards lead Smeaton, Percy, and Rochefort away. Anne is to stand trial. ACT II A Room in the Queen’s Apartments The ladies-in-waiting are confined under constant guard and worry about the queen’s health. Harvey enters and announces that by order of the king all the ladies will be interrogated by the court. Only Jane is allowed to remain with Anne. She begs the queen to save her life by confessing her guilt. Anne refuses. Jane confesses that she herself has become Anne’s rival. The queen forgives Jane and urges her to be cautious with the king. Before the Court of Peers Believing he is saving Anne from death, Smeaton confesses his guilt. Henry enters. Anne and Percy are brought in. His Majesty declares that his wife is guilty of adultery with Smeaton, and that Percy and Rochefort are her accomplices. Percy, however, is undaunted: he proclaims that he is Anne’s first husband and demands the restoration of his rights. Beside himself with rage, Henry resolves not only to put Anne on trial but also to deprive their daughter Elizabeth of her status as princess, declaring her a bastard. ACT III The King’s Cabinet Jane implores the king to show mercy to Anne, but in vain. Courtiers and the council of peers enter, having unanimously annulled the marriage and sentenced Anne to death. Jane continues to beg for clemency; Henry promises to consider it, yet insists on justice. The Courtyard of the Tower Harvey announces to Percy and Rochefort that they have been pardoned, but that Anne is to die. The men, however, choose to share the queen’s fate. A Cell in the Tower Anne has lost her reason. She recalls her youth, her first love, and her wedding to the king. She does not recognize Percy, Rochefort, and Smeaton, who have come to bid her farewell. The people praise the king and the new queen. Cursing the “criminal couple,” Anne ascends the scaffold. She never learns that her daughter is destined to become Elizabeth I, Queen of England. | Gaetano Donizetti "Anna Bolena" Opera in 3 acts on the playbill | ||||||||||||
