In this 250th year since the birth of Beethoven, the composer’s only opera, Fidelio, is popping up all over. In London, the Royal Opera House’s Fidelio is a red-hot ticket. The on-fire dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen is cast in the role of courageous Leonore, who attempts to save her husband, Florestan, a political prisoner facing death, by disguising herself as the prison guard Fidelio. Oh, and cast as Florestan is Jonas Kaufmann, arguably the world’s most sought-after operatic tenor. ROH music director, Anthony Pappano, directs. —L.J.

The Fidelio at the Royal Opera House will be broadcast in cinemas around the world on March 17.

Fidelio, by Ludwig van Beethoven was featured in the February 29, 2020 issue of Air Mail. Read on