English National Opera has announced a new production of Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater, which will run at the London Coliseum from 28 November to 12 December 2026.
The production marks the ENO premiere of Saariaho’s acclaimed opera and will be directed by ENO Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and conducted by Music Director Designate André de Ridder in their first collaboration together.
Featuring a libretto by Lebanese-French journalist and war correspondent Amin Maalouf, the production will be performed in a newly commissioned English translation by the composer’s son, writer and director Aleksi Barrière.
Set in an unnamed European country during and after a civil war, Adriana Mater follows Yonas as he confronts the violent legacy of his family. As long-buried truths emerge, the opera explores questions of forgiveness, revenge and the possibility of breaking cycles of violence.
ENO is presenting Adriana Mater as a companion production to Puccini’s Tosca, which opens at the London Coliseum on 30 October. Together, the two productions form a thematic pairing exploring art, war, resilience and freedom.
You mightalso like
Audiences will have the opportunity to experience both works on the same day on 5 December, with a matinee performance of Tosca followed by an evening performance of Adriana Mater.
André de Ridder returns to conduct the Orchestra of ENO following his acclaimed production of Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny. For performances on 5 and 10 December, the orchestra will be conducted by Associate Conductor Aliisa Neige Barrière, daughter of Kaija Saariaho.
German mezzo-soprano Kristina Stanek takes on the title role of Adriana, while tenor Caspar Singh performs as her son Yonas. They are joined by former Harewood Artist Leigh Melrose as Tsargo and Lauren Fagan, making her ENO debut as Refka.
The creative team includes Rosanna Vize as Set Designer, Evie Gurney as Costume Designer, Lee Curran as Lighting Designer and Imogen Knight as Movement Director.
The production continues ENO’s commitment to presenting opera in English and introducing audiences to important contemporary works. Tickets start from £25, while under-21s can access free tickets for all ENO opera productions and those aged 21 to 35 can purchase discounted tickets.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
