When did Anna Bolena premiere and where?
Anna Bolena premiered on the 26th of December 1830 at the Teatro Carcano in Milan. The production achieved overwhelming success upon its opening night.
Questions about Anna Bolena
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who composed Anna Bolena and what year was it written?
Gaetano Donizetti composed this tragic opera in two acts during 1830. It stands as one of four operas by the composer dealing with the Tudor period in English history.
Which famous soprano revived Anna Bolena at La Scala in April 1957?
Maria Callas starred in a lavish production directed by Luchino Visconti at La Scala in April 1957. Giulietta Simionato played Jane Seymour alongside her in this run that included seven performances recorded live.
What historical figure inspired the libretto for Anna Bolena?
Felice Romani crafted the libretto after reading works about Anne Boleyn, the second wife of England's King Henry VIII. He changed the character name from Henry Percy to Richard Percy to avoid confusion with the other Enrico or Henry VIII.
Where did Anna Bolena receive its first US performance and when?
The first US performance occurred in French as Anne de Boulen in New Orleans at the Théâtre d'Orléans on the 12th of November 1839. The New York premiere took place at the Astor Opera House on the 7th of January 1850 with conductor Max Maretzek.