Melbourne Opera presents Maria Stuarda at The Athenaeum

Acclaimed Melbourne soprano Helena Dix returns from an internationally broadcasted performance in the title role of Norma at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, to make her debut as Maria Stuarda for Melbourne Opera.
Donizetti’s sumptuous Italian opera marks the company’s first production since their internationally acclaimed Ring Cycle Cultural Festival earlier this year. Long regarded as one of the most demanding bel canto roles, Maria Stuarda traces the downfall of Mary Stuart at the hands of Elizabeth I.

Fresh from her triumphant Ring Cycle, Suzanne Chaundy directs this revival of the second opera in her inspired portrayal of Donizetti’s Tudor Trilogy, based on the lives of the three queens in England’s Tudor dynasty. The trilogy is widely considered to be some of the Italian composer’s best works, both musically and dramatically.

Helena Dix previously performed the most demanding role in the trilogy to great acclaim when she took on Elizabeth I in Melbourne Opera’s Roberto Devereaux (2017). She went on to cover the same role at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, considered by many to be the world’s greatest opera house.

A string of virtuoso arias and duets, a famous confrontation scene and the moving execution scene are just some of the highlights of this great work. The Melbourne Opera Chorus and Orchestra are conducted by bel canto specialist Raymond Lawrence.

Maria Stuarda credits
Conducted by bel canto specialist Raymond Lawrence
Directed by Suzanne Chaundy
Helena Dix as Maria Stuarda
Eleanor Greenwood as Elisabetta
Henry Choo as Roberto, Earl of Leicester
Christopher Hillier as Talbot
Eddie Muliaumaseal’li as Cecil
Caroline Vercoe as Anna


Sung in Italian with English surtitles.


9, 13, 15, 17 September 2023
Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000
Tickets available via Ticketmaster