This operatic tragedy, based on the historical events surrounding Anne Boleyn’s trial and execution of, takes the stage in Pittsburgh for the first time in 25 years.
A gem of the bel canto repertoire, Anna Bolena explores the psychological depth and intertwining fates of Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour as they navigate the whims of the oppressive, murderous King Henry VIII. Notable for its melodic richness, dramatic intensity, and intricate and expressive vocal writing, Anna Bolena was Donizetti’s first major operatic success. It catapulted him to fame, laying the groundwork for operas like Lucia di Lammermoor, L’elisir d’amore, and two other works about Tudor queens: Maria Stuarda and Roberto Devereux.
Pictured: Katy Lindhart (Anne Boleyn) and Tahanee Aluwihare (Jane Seymour)
While the events that inspired this opera occurred nearly 500 years ago, Anna Bolena feels strikingly modern, examining the dangers of being a woman in power then and today. Donizetti’s dramatic score gives historical events a human voice, bridging the past and the present. Exploring themes of dignity, injustice, and sacrifice, Anna Bolena brings a new perspective to an old story, giving voice to two silenced queens.
“While there are a wealth of fabulous bel canto operas that have been prominent throughout history, relatively few are in regular rotation in the U.S. today, and those tend to be comedies,” says Artistic and General Director Maria Sensi Sellner. “Donizetti’s Tudor queen operas are among his best works and align with our mission to present music that deserves to be heard. The lead roles require singers with dramatic vocal power and agility and have been considered landmarks in singers’ careers including Maria Callas, Beverly Sills, and Sondra Radvanovsky. I cannot wait for Pittsburgh audiences to witness the artistry of the spectacular cast we have assembled.”
“Vocal revelation” (Houston Chronicle) Katy Lindhart (Viardot’s Cinderella) returns to Resonance Works as the doomed Anne Boleyn, alongside “impeccable” (Operawire) mezzo-soprano Tahanee Aluwihare (last seen in This Love Between Us) as the conflicted Jane Seymour.
Praised for his “big, heroic voice” (LA Weekly), tenor Dane Suarez makes his Resonance Works debut as Lord Percy, Anne’s former lover. Also making their debuts are “powerful and polished” (Opera Today) bass-baritone Jason Zacher as the tyrannical Henry VIII and “booming bass” (Pioneer Press) Benjamin Sieverdingas Anne’s brother, Lord Rochefort. Sarah Austin (Rigoletto) brings her “rich mezzo” (South Florida Classical Review) back to Resonance Works as the court musician, Smeton, along with tenor Donovan Elliot Smith (The Little Prince, La donna del lago), who brings his “towering presence” to Sir Hervey.
Pictured: Dane Suarez (Lord Percy) and Jason Zacher (King Henry VIII)
Sellner conducts the production, featuring the Resonance Chamber Orchestra and chorus. Resonance Works Associate Producer Robert Frankenberry makes his company directorial debut in a production that seamlessly bridges past and present. Known as “The man [who] can do everything” (onStage Pittsburgh), Frankenberry has a multi-faceted career as a singer, pianist, conductor, orchestrator, producer, director, and composer and has been a force in the Pittsburgh arts community for decades.
Sellner says, “Rob has been a part of Resonance Works in a variety of ways since our founding, and is one of my most trusted collaborators. Few others bring such breadth of experience to everything they do. It is thrilling for such an artistic partnership to evolve in another exciting direction with this production.”
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Resonance Works’ production of – Gaetano Donizetti’s Anna Bolena – has performances on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Charity Randall Theatre of the University of Pittsburgh. Information For tickets, visit http://www.resonanceworks.org.
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Show Previews
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