ENO to open a new production of Kaija Saariaho’s 'Adriana Mater'

English National Opera’s new production of Kaija Saariaho’s opera opens at the London Coliseum on 28 November and runs until 12 December.

Summary

• The opera is a companion production to Puccini's 'Tosca'
• The production opens at the London Coliseum between 28 November to 12 December for 7 performances
• This production has a newly commissioned English translation by the composer’s son, writer-director Aleksi Barrière

English National Opera’s new production of Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater will run from 28 November – 12 December at the London Coliseum for just seven performances.

A companion production to Puccini's Tosca, thus premiere will be directed by Annilese Miskimmon and conducted by André de Ridder. With a libretto by Lebanese-French journalist and war correspondent, Amin Maalouf, this production has a newly commissioned English translation by the composer’s son, writer-director Aleksi Barrière.

Set in an unidentified European state during and after civil war, the production follows Adriana’s son Yonas as he confronts the violent legacy of his family. Adriana urges him to find strength in mercy rather than murder, arguing that only by breaking a cycle of male violence can the family, and their country, begin to heal.

Under Miskimmon's direction, Tosca (opening 30 October) and Adriana Mater are presented as two thematically connected new productions, forming a prequel and sequel that explore art, war and resilience. For one day only, on Saturday 5 December 2026, the ENO will stage a matinee performance of Tosca followed by an evening performance of Adriana Mater.

André de Ridder returns to conduct the Orchestra of ENO following the Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny in the 2025/26 Season. Joining him as Associate Conductor is Aliisa Neige Barrière, daughter of Kaija Saariaho, who will conduct performances on 5 and 10 December.

Leading the cast is German mezzo-soprano and Royal Academy of Music graduate Kristina Stanek in the title role. Tenor Caspar Singh performs the role of Yonas, Adriana’s son. They will be joined by former Harewood Artist Leigh Melrose, baritone, as Tsargo. Lauren Fagan, soprano, makes her company debut as Refka.

The creative team is completed by Rosanna Vize as Set Designer, Evie Gurney as Costume Designer, Lee Curran as Lighting Designer, and Imogen Knight as Movement Director.

Book tickets for Adriana Mater at LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo Credit: Courtesy of production