Szymanowski’s ‘King Roger’ live-streamed from London

The services which will stream the opera include culture.pl – the website of the Warsaw-based Adam Mickiewicz Institute, which had its share in bringing the work’s staging in London to fruition.

It is also available on the Royal Opera House website, on YouTube and on the Opera Europa Digital Platform, which showcases live streams and a range of behind-the-scenes footage from 15 opera houses across Europe.

This is the fifth performance of the opera, which had its premiere on 1 May. The last in the current run is on 19 May. The production, directed by the ROH Artistic Director Kasper Holten, conducted by sir Antonio Pappano and with Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecień in the title role, received very favourable reviews.

The New York Times described it as "a must-see", The Telegraph wrote about "a major artistic triumph", The Times praised Kasper Holten for "a big, bold Szymanowski staging" while Opera Today wrote: "The musical and dramatic values of this production are convincing and rewarding."

Premiered in 1926, King Roger is the fruit of Szymanowski’s fascination with Oriental culture. Its action is set in the 12th century Norman Kingdom of Sicily during the reign of King Roger II. The work is a philosophical-religious tale of sacrifice and faith. It presents the conflict between different religions and visions of life. (mk/rg)