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The Makropulos AffairConcert performance

Barbican HallSilk Street, London, Greater London, EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom
Dates/times in London time zone
Tuesday 13 January 202619:00
Thursday 15 January 202619:00
Performers
Sir Simon RattleConductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Marlis PetersenSopranoEmilia Marty / Elina Makropoulos
Aleš BrisceinTenorAlbert Gregor
Jan MartiníkBassDr Kolenatý
Svatopluk SemBaritoneBaron Jaroslav Prus
Peter HoareTenorVítek

The Concert

A 300-year-old woman confronts mortality, identity and lost love in this concert performance of Janáček’s intense operatic drama.

The Music

The Makropoulos Affair contains some of Janáček’s most compelling music, starting with its Prelude that hints at the 16th-century birth year of Emilia Marty, complete with pounding timpani and fanfares. From there, Janáček spins a taut drama culminating in a heartbreaking scene as Emilia finally confesses to her identity.

The Performers

This is the fourth Janáček opera performed by Sir Simon Rattle and the London Symphony Orchestra. This year’s cast is as exceptional as ever, with soprano Marlis Petersen as the emotionally complex Emilia, and tenor Aleš Briscein – a veteran of Janáček’s distinctive musical style – as Albert Gregor, the young lawyer enamoured with Emilia.

Concert performance, with surtitles.

Please note that there will be no interval.

Public booking opens Wednesday 16 April 10am

© Mark Allan
© Mark Allan
January 2026
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