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 male 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 we now find is a field hospital in post-war turmoil, where the women and mothers, like Adriana, that 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 one of the most influential voices in contemporary classical music of the last half-century.
This opera is a collaboration between Saariaho and the 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.
Credits:
Adriana Mater
Music by Kaija Saariaho
Libretto by Amin Maalouf
English Translation by Aleksi Barrière
