Elisabetta in “Roberto Devereux” is considered one of the most demanding roles in the soprano repertory and has always been a major measuring stick for leading Bel canto sopranos.

Now, Joyce El-Khoury will take on the challenging role and look to make her mark.

With her upcoming portrayal of Elisabetta at the Welsh National Opera, El-Khoury will continue to explore the Donizetti Tudor trilogy, which she began performing in Seattle with “Maria Stuarda.” There she gained rave reviews and also did the unlikely, performing back-to-back presentations of the role when she filled in for a sick colleague.

“Roberto Devereux” is also the latest Donizetti role El-Khoury adds to her repertoire. The soprano previously performed the world premiere of “L’Ange de Nisida,” as well as “Les Martyrs” and “Belisario.” Her Bel Canto repertoire has also included Bellini’s “Il Pirata” and Rossini’s “Stabat Mater.” With Elisabetta, El-Khoury is one step closer to being part of a select few who have performed the Tudor trilogy in its entirety.

If you are not in Wales for the performances, the soprano will take Elisabetta to the Badisches Staatstheater and will return to the role of Liù in “Turandot” at the Canadian Opera Company.

Recordings

For those not familiar with El-Khoury’s voice, you can listen to her solo album “Echo” for Opera Rara as well as “Les Martyrs” and “Belisario.”

Here she is singing the mad scene from “Il Pirata.”

and here she is singing Belisario.