Following on from its success last season, the Teatro Real will once again host the opera Bluebeard's Castle by Béla Bartók. On this occasion, it will be back on 28 November with the soprano, Anna Netrebko playing the inquisitive Judith and Alexander Köpeczi as Bluebeard.
This concerto version of the opera by Bartók marks the debut of Anna Netrebko in this role. Conducted by Henrik Nánási and accompanied by the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the soprano adds one of the most complex characters of the 20th century to her repertoire of female portrayals. The programme is rounded off with two pieces by Franz Liszt, namely the famous Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 and the Concierto for Piano No. 1, performed by the pianist, Misi Boros.
Bluebeard's Castle is an opera in one act by Béla Bartók, with the libretto by Béla Balázs. The story revolves around Bluebeard and his new wife, Judith, who has come to the castle for the first time. Once there, she discovers seven locked doors, which represent hidden aspects of Bluebeard’s soul. Although he asks her not to open them, Judith insists on finding out the whole truth and “saving” him with her love.
As she opens the doors, she discovers treasures, weapons, gardens, tears and finally... other women: the three previous wives who are not dead but are trapped in his memory. In the seventh door, Judith observes her destiny: she too will remain trapped in the castle, turned into another of his shadows.
Artistic File:
- Musical Conductor - Henrik Nánási
- Orchestra - Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
- Opera in One Act in concerto version
- Music - Béla Bartók (1881-1945)
- Libretto - Béla Balázs, based on the tale of La Barbe bleu (1697) by Charles Perrault
- Premièred at the Royal Opera in Budapest on 24 May 1918
- Premièred on 2 November 2025 at the Teatro Real
Cast:
- Duke Bluebeard - Alexander Köpeczi
- Judith - Anna Netrebko
- Piano - Misi Boros
Programme:
Franz Liszt (1811-1886):
- Hungarian Rhapsodies No. 2, R106
- Concerto for Piano No. 1, R455
