Speranza Scappucci makes her debut as Principal Guest Conductor of The Royal Opera, bringing Verdi's grand opera to electrifying life. Stefan Herheim's enthralling production features an all-star cast, including Marina Rebeka, SeokJong Baek, Ildebrando D'Arcandelo and Quinn Kelsey.

The Real Sicilian Vespers

The Sicilian Vespers was a real historical event that took place on 30 March 1282, in Palermo, Sicily. It began as a bloody uprising by the Sicilian people against the oppressive rule of Charles I of Anjou, the French king who had taken control of the Italian island in 1266. Frustrated by high taxes, forced labour and foreign rule, the Sicilians were ready to revolt. The spark for their rebellion came on Easter Monday during evening prayers – or ‘vespers’ – when a conflict erupted between Sicilians and French soldiers at the Church of the Holy Spirit. According to legend, a French soldier insulted a Sicilian woman, leading to outrage among the Sicilians, who attacked and killed him. This set off a spontaneous uprising across the island, with Sicilians slaughtering thousands of French civilians in an attempt to rid Sicily of foreign domination.

Verdi’s Version

Verdi’s Les Vêpres siciliennes (also I vespri siciliani, in Verdi’s later-composed Italian version) draws directly from the events of the rebellion, its foundation in Sicilian defiance against French rule setting the scene for a rich drama of divided loyalties and revenge. The opera’s political message resonated with Verdi’s own times, as Italy in the 19th century was embroiled in a struggle for unification – known as the ‘Risorgimento’ – and independence from foreign rule. By reimagining a historical rebellion, Verdi not only dramatised the timeless themes of oppression and resistance, but also subtly aligned the opera with Italian nationalistic sentiments.

Grand Opera at its Finest

Weaving elements of French grand opera – elaborate choruses, ballet and monumental set pieces – with Verdi's signature Italianate lyricism and emotional directness, Les Vêpres siciliennes captures both the grandeur of historical epics and the intimacy of personal conflict. Pairing sweeping orchestration with intense vocal writing, the score is marked by striking contrasts between soaring arias, powerful ensembles and moments of lyrical tenderness.