Age Recommendation
15 and over (Under 5's will not be admitted)
Performance Dates
28 Nov - 12 Dec 2026
Performance Times
Tue, Thu & Sat 7pm
Content Warning
This opera depicts violence and sexual violence including a rape, depictions of alcoholism, scenes of war and contemplation of murder.
Run time
2 hrs 45 mins (incl. 1 interval)
Venue
London Coliseum
About Adriana Mater
Like father, like son…?
In a world shaped by war, Kaija Saariaho’s opera, Adriana Mater finds hope where it seems impossible. Powerful and rarely staged, this ENO debut unites Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and Music Director Designate André de Ridder in their first collaboration.
Book your tickets for Adriana Mater, an opera that will stay with you long after the curtain falls, live at the London Coliseum in 2026.
Overview
Amid a brutal civil war, Adriana becomes pregnant following a violent assault by a soldier. She chooses to give birth to the child she conceives, naming her son Yonas and raising him with love and hope for the future, whilst shielding him from the truth about his father. Many years later, the young man discovers the truth of his origin and becomes consumed by the desire for revenge.
In a gripping climax, Adriana tries to convince Yonas that true strength lies in mercy, not murder, and that only by breaking the cycle of violence will they, and their country, truly be healed.
Righting the wrongs of Tosca, Adriana Mater forms the second half of a bold narrative arc contributing to a season that brings stories of resistance, resilience, hope and what it means to be free.
Experience Adriana Mater as a stand-alone story, or paired with Tosca as the second half of a bold narrative arc contributing to a season that brings stories of resistance, resilience, hope and what it means to be free.
Staging and Score
Adriana Mater picks up where Tosca left off, returning to the concert hall which is now a field hospital in post-war turmoil, where women and mothers like Adriana are left to pick up the pieces.
Kaija Saariaho was named "Greatest Living Composer" in a 2019 BBC Music Magazine poll. Since her death in 2023, she has continued to be recognised as one of the most influential voices in contemporary classical music of the last half-century.
This opera is a collaboration between Saariaho and writer and war correspondent Amin Maalouf, inspired by his experiences and Saariaho’s reflections on motherhood. Her pioneering music often blends electronics with live instruments to create a distinctive, shimmering sound world. It will be performed in a new, specially commissioned English translation by the composer’s son, writer-director Aleksi Barrière.
Singers and Creatives
Conducted by ENO Music Director Designate André de Ridder and directed by Annilese Miskimmon in their first collaboration.
The title role will be performed by Kristina Stanek, making her ENO debut. Caspar Singh returns to sing Adriana’s son, Yonas, following his stand-out performance in ENO’s 2025 production of Albert Herring. Widely praised for his performance in The Rhinegold, ENO favourite Leigh Melrose sings the role of the militia leader, Tsargo, and Lauren Fagan makes her company debut as Refka.
This production has been made possible through the generous support of a syndicate comprising Mr R Bridge, Liz Cratchley OBE, Ralph Kanza, Alan Karr & Jeanne Ruane, and Professor Mick Peake OBE.
