The rarely performed opera “Tintomara” by Swedish composer Lars Johan Werle is set to be performed July 9, 2022 at Läckö Castle in Sweden.

The opera is based on the event surrounding the murder of King Gustaf III at a masked ball in 1792 and a mysterious young woman, Azouras Lazuli Tintomara La Tournerose.

The opera is set to star Swedish soprano Matilda Sterby and mezzo-soprano Elisabeth Leyser as the sisters Amanda and Adolfine as well as Sidsel Eriksen in the title role of Tintomara. Mattias Ermedahl directs and conducted by Simon Kim Phipps.

Sterby recently told OperaWire, “‘Tintomara’ is one of the most iconic Swedish Operas, based on the book ’Drottningens juvelsmycke’ by C.J. L. Almqvist. The plot is set around the murder of King Gustav III, among swedes known as the Theatre King, (the same event that is depicted in Verdi’s ‘Un Ballo in Maschera’). However, in this Opera, the androgynous character Tintomara/Lazuli/Azouras, who enchants everyone in her/his way, is the main subject. The character I portray, Amanda, is a young woman who becomes intrigued and later slightly insane by her encounter with this androgynous creature. It’s a very special feeling being a part of this production of this iconic piece of Swedish Opera, as it is very rarely performed but yet very loved.”