In 1536 at Windsor Castle, King Henry VIII is in love with the young Jane Seymour, a lady in waiting to the Queen, Anne Boleyn. To ensure himself a free rein, the king decides to bring back from exile the former lover of his wife, Lord Percy, who is still in love with her. Unjustly accused of adultery, they are condemned to death and shut away in the Tower of London.

Composed in 1830 in less than one month, Anna Bolena was the 29th opera by Donizetti. The action based on historical facts provides a tragic framework and sublime expression of Romanticism. The composer subtly combines bel canto style full of moving melodies with the most acrobatic of vocal prowess, without ever losing his characters’ authenticity. It is frightfully technically and psychologically difficult, requires an outstanding voice and features among the most beautiful feminine portrayals in history.