Ivor Bolton, Musical Director of the Teatro Real, takes on the challenge of conducting one of Benjamin Britten’s least known operas: Gloriana. The work was a commission for the coronation of Elizabeth II, and its debut in Madrid on April 12. After the previous season’s resounding success of Billy Budd, also by Britten, the English conductor works alongside stage producer David McVicar to present a historical and unpleasant account of Queen Elizabeth I of England.

Anna Caterina Antonacci takes on the principal role, portraying an Elizabeth who is trapped between her obligations as a queen and her tempestuous relationship with the ambitious Earl of Essex, Robert Devereux.