Fidelio is a blazing musical protest against oppression that signals Beethoven’s implicit belief that humanity will eventually triumph over injustice and tyranny. John Cox’s iconic production of Beethoven’s only opera returns with Jamie Manton as revival director and Gary McCann’s striking design.

Based on real events, the opera deals with the highest ideals of truth and justice. Florestan has been wrongfully imprisoned and his wife, Leonore, determined against all the odds to rescue him, disguises herself as a man and finds work at the prison where she believes him to be confined. Her unflinching courage and fidelity in agonising circumstances inspired some of Beethoven’s greatest music.

Orchestra: The English Concert

Conductor: Douglas Boyd