Adriana Mater - English National Opera

Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater is a powerful and rarely performed contemporary opera that explores trauma, forgiveness, and the possibility of breaking cycles of violence. Set during and after a brutal civil war, the story follows Adriana, who becomes pregnant after being assaulted by a soldier. Despite the circumstances, she chooses to raise her son, Yonas, with love and compassion while hiding the truth about his father. Years later, when Yonas discovers his origins, he becomes consumed by anger and a desire for revenge. In the opera’s emotional climax, Adriana urges him to reject violence and choose mercy instead, arguing that true healing — both personal and societal — can only come by ending the cycle of hatred and destruction.

This ENO production, directed by Annilese Miskimmon and conducted by André de Ridder, places the story within a post-war field hospital, continuing themes introduced in Tosca while focusing on the women left to rebuild after conflict. Saariaho’s distinctive score blends live orchestration with electronic textures to create a shimmering, emotionally immersive sound world, while Amin Maalouf’s libretto draws on experiences of war and reflections on motherhood. Featuring Kristina Stanek in the title role alongside Caspar Singh as Yonas and Leigh Melrose as Tsargo, Adriana Mater offers a deeply moving meditation on resilience, freedom, and the courage required to choose compassion over vengeance.