Adriana Lecouvreur

The celebrated actress Adriana Lecouvreur loves Count Maurizio, who keeps his relationship with her a secret. The Princess of Bouillon also desires him.

Out of jealousy, she sends Adriana a poisoned bouquet of violets. Intrigues and misunderstandings come to a head while Maurizio stands between the women. Adriana realizes too late the origin of the gift and dies from its effects, believing in Maurizio's love.

Act 1
Backstage at the Comédie-Française, actors and stage manager Michonnet are preparing for a performance. Among them is the famous tragedienne Adriana Lecouvreur(Adrienne Lecouvreur), who is loved by Michonnet.

She in turn loves Maurizio (Moritz von Sachsen), but he hides his true identity from her and pretends to be an ensign. Adriana gives him a bouquet of violets as a pledge of love. However, Maurizio also had an affair with the Princess of Bouillon; her husband, in turn, is having an affair with the actress Duclos. When the Prince of Bouillon intercepts a letter from Duclos to Maurizio in which she invites him to her villa after the performance, the Prince suspects Duclos of infidelity. In reality, however, the latter had written the letter on behalf of the Princess. To take revenge, the Prince invites the actors from the Comédie-Française to a party that evening at the villa he has given to Duclos.

Act 2
At the Duclos' villa, the Princess of Bouillon awaits her beloved Maurizio, who is expecting political support from her. The jealous princess realizes that Maurizio no longer loves her; in order to deceive her, he gives her the bouquet of violets he received from Adriana shortly before. The two are interrupted by the arrival of the Prince, and the Princess manages to escape into a back room. Adriana, who is also present at the party, now learns Maurizio's true identity, but a discussion with him prevents the relationship from breaking up. In the dark back room, the two rivals for Maurizio's love - the Princess and Adriana - meet for the first time, but without recognizing each other. The princess finally manages to escape unrecognized.

Act 3
At a party, the princess and Adriana realize that Maurizio is each other's lover.

A hidden conflict arises between the two jealous women. Adriana finally recites from Racine's Phèdre and exposes her rival with a few verses referring to the princess: “I cannot disguise myself like those impudent women who delight in deceit, whose icy foreheads can never blush again.“ The princess swears revenge.

Act 4
Adriana, sick with love, wants to withdraw from the stage. She feels abandoned by Maurizio, a feeling that is intensified when a casket containing the now withered bouquet of violets is handed over. But then her lover arrives and asks her to be his wife. Adriana suddenly collapses - the bouquet of violets she has just smelled was in fact sent and poisoned by the princess. Adriana dies.

program

Adriana Lecouvreur
Francesco Cilèa
Oper in vier Akten nach Eugène Scribe
Text Arturo Colautti

Place

Vienna State Opera – World-Renowned Stage for Opera and Ballet in the Heart of Vienna

The Vienna State Opera is one of the world's leading opera houses and a cultural landmark of Austria. Located prominently in the heart of Vienna, along the famous Ringstrasse, it offers outstanding opera productions featuring international stars and a renowned ballet ensemble.

Since its grand opening in 1869, the Vienna State Opera has been synonymous with musical excellence, artistic perfection, and an extensive repertoire ranging from operatic classics to contemporary works. Each season, it stages more than 300 performances, including world-famous operas such as Mozart’s "The Magic Flute", Verdi’s "La Traviata", and Puccini’s "Tosca".

Alongside its acclaimed opera productions, the Vienna State Opera is also home to the celebrated Vienna State Ballet, renowned for both classical and contemporary dance performances. The annual Vienna Opera Ball is a prestigious social event with international prominence.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• Lines U1, U2, U4 – Karlsplatz station, direct access

Tram:

• Lines 1, 2, D, 62, 71 – Oper/Karlsplatz stop

Bus:

• Line 59A – Oper stop

Its central location on Vienna’s Ringstrasse ensures convenient and easy access.

Vienna State Opera – A Symbol of Viennese Culture and Musical Excellence

As one of the world's premier opera houses, the Vienna State Opera is an essential destination for opera enthusiasts, music lovers, and visitors seeking to experience the cultural heart of Vienna.