National Opera Company Regular Performance, Don Carlos

[PERFORMANCE INTRODUCTION] A son crumbled by love, a father who could not relinquish his throne. A cruel portrait of power unfolding in the heart of the Spanish Empire The National Opera Company presents Verdi's opera "Don Carlo" as the final work of its 2026 regular season. Comprised of five acts, this work is considered the pinnacle of 19th-century grand opera, set in the golden age of the Spanish Empire and depicts a court tragedy exploring love and power, freedom and oppression. The conflict between a son and father over a single woman extends beyond personal love into matters of state and ideology, transforming the court into a stage of monumental conflict. This production is realized based on the French version originally conceived by Verdi, with conducting by Valerio Galli, who forged a connection with the company through "Attila" in 2022, unleashing the dramatic energy of Verdi's music. The production is directed by Yanis Kokos, a master who has presented major repertoire on world stages including "Tristan and Isolde," "Nabucco," and "Turandot," portraying the power structure of the Spanish court and the tragic destinies of its characters with an intensely layered stage. [SYNOPSIS] "I possessed everything, yet I did not have her love." Spanish Prince Don Carlo and French Princess Elisabeth are destined to be united in a political marriage for peace between their nations, and they are deeply drawn to each other at their first meeting. However, when the treaty is altered, she becomes the queen of King Philip II of Spain, Don Carlo's father. The king receives her for the sake of the state, yet already aware that her heart does not belong to him, he bears his crown in silence. Don Carlo's friend Rodrigo fights for the freedom of Flanders under Spanish rule, awakening him to a greater cause, and Carlo ultimately stands against his father's power. However, his resistance is deemed treason, and the king makes the cruel choice he must bear as a father—ordering the arrest of his own son. Under sentence of exile, Carlo shares a final farewell with Elisabeth, and witnessing this, the king refers his son to the Inquisition. As a death sentence is pronounced, the voice of the former king echoes forth and Carlo is dramatically saved. The king is left with only power and solitude, unable to protect either love or family.