Gaetano Donizetti : Bastarda

Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda

The eventful life of Elizabeth I through the finest moments of Gaetano Donizetti's "Tudor" operas. From her childhood overshadowed by her mother's execution to her ascension to the throne and rivalry with Mary Stuart, this unique opera season sheds light on the hidden side of a historical figure in a totally new way.

La Monnaie, Brussels

On the eve of her coronation, Elizabeth recalls how her father's execution of her mother Anne Boleyn left her a bastard. This unique opera series follows the life of the 'Virgin Queen' to the music of Gaetano Donizetti. Episode 1: The Coronation...

The Coronation

On the eve of her coronation, Elizabeth recalls how her mother's execution turned her into a bastard.

Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda (1/6)

Visiting her childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth is caught up in a love triangle that reminds her of a past situation, when Jane Seymour was the love rival of Elizabeth's mother, Anne Boleyn. This unique opera series follows the life of the Virgin Queen to the music of Gaetano Donizetti. Episode 2: The Royal Progress...

The Royal Progress

Elizabeth is entangled in a love triangle that reminds her of a past situation...

Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda (2/6)

In addition to being her political opponent, Mary Stuart is rapidly turning into Elizabeth's rival in love. Gradually, the Queen becomes aware that keeping her cousin Mary alive poses a serious threat to her own existence. This unique opera series follows the life of the Virgin Queen to the music of Gaetano Donizetti. Episode 3: Mary, Queen of Scots...

Mary, Queen of Scots

In addition to being her political opponent, Mary Stuart is rapidly turning into Elizabeth's rival in love.

Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda (3/6)

Aware of the threat posed by Mary Stuart, Elizabeth is left with no other choice: she will in turn have to behead a queen. This unique opera series retraces the life of the "Virgin Queen" to the music of Gaetano Donizetti. Episode 4: Killing a Queen.

Killing a queen

Aware of the threat Mary Stuart poses, Elizabeth decides to have the queen beheaded.

Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda (4/6)

On the eve of her 60th birthday, Elizabeth finds a new favourite: the young but disloyal Robert Devereux. But can you stop aging by removing the mirrors? This unique opera series retraces the life of the "Virgin Queen" to the melodies of Gaetano Donizetti. Episode 5: Broken Mirrors...

Broken Mirrors

After the death of Leicester, Elizabeth finds a new favourite: the young but deceitful Robert Devereux.

Gaetano Donizetti: Bastarda (5/6)

Betrayal has many faces, yet the punishment for the culprits is always the same. Despite her decline, Elisabeth remains the centre of the world until the end. And that world is a stage. This unique opera series retraces the life of the Virgin Queen to the melodies of Gaetano Donizetti. Episode 6: Queen of Farce...

Queen of Farce

After sentencing Devereux to death, Elisabeth comes face to face with her demons one last time.