Summer opera at Covent Garden: romance, comedy and danger

Four big musical dramas that are at the heart of the opera repertoire close the Royal Opera House year with a bang. All of them are in productions that never tire, and by composers we can't do without.

Werther, one of the masterpieces among the 30 or so operas composed by Jules Massenet tells the story of virtue tested by overwhelming passion. Russian-born, Covent Garden-trained soprano Aigul Akhmetshina sings Charlotte with German tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, casting that will trigger a rush to the box office. There are five performances, from 20 June to 4 July. Click here for details and to book.

Next out of the traps is a revival of David McVicar's matchless production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. With its busy upstairs/downstairs scenes, well-timed comedy and occasional heartbreak, the twisting and turning opera is packed with great music. There are six performances, from 8 to 22 July. The brilliant German conductor Joan Mallwitz makes her ROH debut. Click here for more details, and to book.

Violetta chooses loves, and self-sacrifice, over the party life. Photo: Catherine Ashmore

Richard Eyre's pitch-perfect production of Verdi's La Traviata is as central to the Royal Opera House as its beautiful Floral Hall. Violetta is the society hostess who finds true love, but even it cannot save her... Keri-Lynn, another of our inspirational women conductors, returns to Covent Garden for the revival's six performances, from 10 to 23 July. Click here for more details and to book.

Finally, a deliciously scary Verdi opera, Don Carlo. The marriage of Don Carlos and Elizabeth of Valois is mean to bring peace to Europe, but Philip II of Spain has designs on Elizabeth himself. Brian Jagde and Norwegian superstar soprano Lise Davidsen play the lovers, with John Rely as the king. Listen our for the terrifying Grand Inquisitor... There are six performances, from 30 June to 15 July. Click here for more details and to book.

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Opera are sung in the original languages, with English surtitles. Booking opens at 9am on Thursday 13 April