Speranza Scappucci debuts as Principal Guest Conductor in Verdi’s The Sicilian Vespers at the Royal Opera House
19 September – 6 October 2025 | Main Stage, Royal Opera House
Speranza Scappucci makes a striking debut as Principal Guest Conductor of The Royal Opera, leading the rarely performed The Sicilian Vespers by Giuseppe Verdi. The production opens on the Main Stage from 19 September to 6 October 2025, promising a powerful fusion of historical drama and musical grandeur.
Scappucci, who first conducted at the Royal Opera in 2022 with Verdi’s Attila, was named Principal Guest Conductor in 2023, becoming the first to hold the post since 1997. She says, “I can think of no better opera to start with than The Sicilian Vespers. Verdi’s monumental score is filled with dramatic music, passionate choruses and intimate moments that bring the story of love, political intrigue, revenge, jealousy and redemption vividly to life.”
Photos: ©ROH/Bill Cooper, 2013
Based on the historic 1282 rebellion against Charles I of Anjou, Verdi’s The Sicilian Vespers is staged here in Stefan Herheim’s acclaimed 2013 production. Herheim relocates the narrative to the opulent setting of the Paris Opéra, where the opera premiered in 1855, underscoring themes of loyalty and vengeance.
The cast features notable role debuts by Joyce El-Khoury and Sara Cortolezzis as Hélène, and SeokJong Baek as Henri, the central lovers of the drama. Joining them are Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, Quinn Kelsey, and a distinguished ensemble including both established and emerging artists.
Visually stunning, the production benefits from the creative vision of set designer Philipp Fürhofer, costume designer Gesine Völlm, lighting designer Anders Poll, and choreographer André de Jong.
Dates: 19 September – 6 October 2025
Venue: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD
Tickets: £12 – £250 | Book online: rbo.org.uk
Language: Sung in French with English surtitles
Duration: Approx. 4 hours including two intervals
Content warning: Contains depictions of rape, torture, and murder
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
