
NEW PRODUCTION
Dates
6-28 May 2023
Location
Dutch National Opera, Main Stage
Running time
2:55, incl. 1 interval
Tickets
From €22

Two queens, one throne
A scorching face-off that is both personal and political, and ultimately proves to be fatal. This opera pits Elizabeth I, Queen of England, and Mary Stuart, the exiled Queen of Scots, against each other in a fierce struggle that is as much about power as it is about love and moral righteousness. Bel canto composer Donizetti created a ravishing score for this opera that is both melodic and deeply moving, delivering plenty of emotional intensity as the lethal conflict between the two historical queens unfolds.
Photo: Marta Syrko
Performance information
Opera in three acts
Sung in Italian
Libretto Giuseppe Bardari
Musical direction Enrique Mazzola
Stage direction Jetske Mijnssen
Set design Ben Baur
Costume design Klaus Bruns
Dramaturgy Luc Joosten
Choreography Lillian Stillwell
Lighting design Cor van den Brink
Elisabetta Aigul Akhmetshina
Maria Stuarda Kristina Mkhitaryan
Anna Kennedy Claire Antoine*
Leicester Ismael Jordi
Giorgio Talbot Aleksei Kulagin
Lord Guglielmo Cecil Simon Mechlinski
* Dutch National Opera Studio
Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Chorus of Dutch National Opera
Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper
Coproduction with Teatro San Carlo (Napels) and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Valencia)
Change in box office opening hours
Please note our box office opening hours will change on March 1.
The second belcanto masterpiece in Donizetti's Tudor trilogy
Ticket prices
Check out the ticket prices per price category via the link below.
Order tickets

Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Dutch National Opera has a long-standing and proud history with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra | the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, which has been its main orchestra partner for the past 30 years. It is widely considered to be one of the best opera orchestras in the world.
© Anna van Kooij
Introduction
Almost every performance at Dutch National Opera & Ballet is preceded by an introduction, with background information that can deepen your theatre visit. The introductions are in Dutch and admission is free by showing a valid ticket.
Introduction Maria Stuarda by: Naomi Teekens
Time: 45 minutes before the start of each performance
Location: 2nd balcony

Opera & ballet online
Can't get enough of opera? Discover more than 2.584 hours of:
- arias and scenes
- behind-the-scenes videos
- interviews & articles