Opera

Béla Bartók

Bluebeard’s Castle

28 Nov, 26

with Anna Netrebko

Musical conductor
Henrik Nánási

Orchestra
Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

After last season’s success, Bluebeard’s Castle returns to the Teatro Real, this time with Anna Netrebko as the curious Judith and Alexander Köpeczi as Bluebeard. This is a concert version of Bartók’s opera, marking the soprano’s debut in the role. Conducted by Henrik Nánási and accompanied by the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the soprano adds one of the most complex characters of the 20th century to her gallery of female portraits. The programme is completed with two works by Franz Liszt: the famous Hungarian Rhapsody no. 2 and the Piano Concerto no. 1, performed by the young pianist Misi Boros.

Opera in one act.

Music by Béla Bartók (1881-1945).

Libretto by Béla Balázs, after a Charles Perrault’s fairy-tale Le barbe bleu (1697).

Premiered at Royal Budapest Opera on 24 may 1918.

Premiered at Teatro Real on 2 november 2025.

Concert version.

FRANZ LISZT (1811-1886)

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, R106

Piano Concerto No. 1, R455

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Artistic Team

Musical conductor Henrik Nánási
Orchestra Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Cast

Duke Bluebeard Alexander Köpeczi Nov - 28

Judit Anna Netrebko Nov - 28

Piano Misi Boros Nov - 28

Language

Húngaro

Surtitles in

English, Spanish

Synopsis and more information

Driven by love and curiosity, Judith follows Bluebeard to his castle, where she discovers seven locked doors. As she opens them, each reveals an aspect of Bluebeard's soul. When she reaches the seventh door, the truth about her beloved is revealed: behind it lie Bluebeard's previous wives, condemned to live in eternal shadow. Judith, trapped by her fate and her desire to redeem it, joins them while Bluebeard is left alone in the darkness, resigned to his perpetual loneliness.