Duke Bluebeard's Castle: ENO presents Bartók's masterpiece in 2024

Duke Bluebeard’s Castle is a haunting odyssey presented by the English National Opera. This semi-staged concert performance unfolds at the London Coliseum from 21 March to 24 March 2024.

Béla Bartók’s one-act opera piece

Considered Béla Bartók's crowning achievement, the one-act opera Duke Bluebeard's Castle is a chilling psychodrama that delves deep into the core of your emotions. This enduring Modernist Expressionist masterpiece has remained a beacon for over a century, exploring the realms of obsession, violence, and the timeless battle of the sexes. It's a narrative that evokes both reflection and spine-tingling suspense.

Offering an hour of intense psychodrama, English National Opera's Duke Bluebeard's Castle is a semi-staged concert performance that showcases the exceptional talents of two acclaimed artists. Award-winning Welsh soprano Natalya Romaniw takes on the role of Judith, while Canadian baritone John Relyea, recognized as one of the foremost basses in the contemporary scene, portrays Bluebeard. Leading the musical journey is Martyn Brabbins, the Director of Music at ENO.

The spine-chilling story of Duke Bluebeard's Castle

As the newlywed Judith crosses the threshold into her husband's ominous castle, she confronts seven tightly sealed doors, each bearing a forbidding "do not enter" directive. Driven by curiosity, she defies these restrictions, and with each door she unlocks, a chilling truth about the man she wed unfolds. The castle serves as a symbolic representation of Bluebeard's innermost being, a mysterious psyche harbouring secrets that could expose his genuine character.

This thrilling psychodrama will ensure that you are on the edge of your seat. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!