Grange Park Opera

Verdi’s most glorious music in his grandest opera

The burning of heretics in front of the Cathedral of Valladolid is only one of the spectacular elements in Verdi’s great historical tragedy Don Carlo.

Public, personal and political are all intermingled, drawing from Verdi some of his most glorious music, whether in full-throated choruses or introspective arias.

What does a King do when his new wife loves him no longer?

The loneliness of royalty, the conflict between duty and conviction, thwarted passion – Don Carlo has them all.

Synopsis

Elisabeth de Valois, princess of France, has married King Philip II of Spain (1527–1598). It is an arranged marriage.

Act 1: The Monastery of Yuste

Monks pray at the tomb of the Emperor Charles V, Philip II’s father who has recently been buried..

Rodrigo, begs Don Carlo to take steps on behalf of the people of Flanders, oppressed by Spanish rule. Carlo confesses to Rodrigo his love for his stepmother Elisabeth.

In a garden, Eboli entertains ladies of the court. Elisabeth is handed a secret letter from Carlo.

Carlo arrives and asks the Queen to obtain the King’s permission for him to go to Flanders. He blurts out his love – Elisabeth reproves him – even though she too loves him. Carlos flees.

The King arrives and is furious to finds the Queen alone.

Rodrigo pleads for Flanders. Philip tells him of his worries about Elisabeth and Carlos.

Act 2: The Queen’s garden

Carlos has received an anonymous letter and is waiting for the Queen in the garden. The letter’s author was Eboli, who is in love with him. Carlos reveals his love for Elisabeth and rejects Eboli, who swears vengeance.

Rodrigo asks Carlos to entrust to him any incriminating documents concerning Flanders that he might possess.

An auto-da-fé is about to begin when deputies from Flanders approach the King and beg for his help. His dismissal of them angers Carlos who draws his sword, demanding to be sent to Flanders. Rodrigo disarms him

Philip creates Rodrigo a duke and has Carlos arrested.

Long Dining Interval

Act 3: The King’s study, Madrid

Philip obtains help from the Grand Inquisitor in setting up a trial for his son.

Princess Eboli gives the King Elisabeth’s jewel box which contains a portrait of Carlos. When the King confronts the Queen, she faints

Eboli confesses everything, including the fact that she has been the King’s mistress. Elisabeth banishes her from the Court.

The incriminating Flanders documents have been found in Rodrigo’s possessions. He goes to see Carlos in prison, knowing that his own last hour is imminent. A gun fires and Rodrigo falls; mortally wounded, he dies in Carlos’ arms.

Philip enters and tries to return to Carlos back his sword, but Carlos rejects him, having realised that Rodrigo has died to save him.

The people storm the prison and Carlos flees.

Act 4: The Monastery of Yuste

Elisabeth and Carlos bid each other farewell. They are taken by surprise by the King and the Grand Inquisitor, but a mysterious monk appears. The guards move in on Carlos and drag him away to imprison him.

Cast & Creatives

PHILIP II, King of Spain ∙ MATTHEW ROSE – sponsored by Noreen Doyle
DON CARLOS, his son and heir to the throne of Spain ∙ OTAR JORJIKIA
RODRIGO, Marquis of Posa, friend of Don Carlos ∙ MICHEL DE SOUZA
THE GRAND INQUISITOR ∙ JULIAN CLOSE – sponsored by Francis & Amanda Norton
ELISABETH DE VALOIS, married to King Philip II ∙ ELIN PRITCHARD
PRINCESS EBOLI, in love with Don Carlos ∙ RUXANDRA DONOSE

CONDUCTOR ∙ GIANLUCA MARCIANO, GEORGE JACKSON (June 19, 28, July 4, 7)
DIRECTOR ∙ JO DAVIES
SET DESIGNER ∙ LESLIE TRAVERS
COSTUME DESIGNER ∙ GABRIELLE DALTON
LIGHTING DESIGNER ∙ ANNA WATSON
MOVEMENT ∙ LYNNE HOCKNEY

      Orchestra of English National Opera

This production is sponsored by Amanda Leathers