Axelle Fanyo makes her English National Opera debut as Floria Tosca in a season pairing Puccini and Saariaho's works, directed as a diptych by Annilese Miskimmon.
Axelle Fanyo and Christopher Purves reunite
Axelle Fanyo and Christopher Purves are performing together again in Tosca at the London Coliseum. Fanyo plays Floria Tosca, and Purves plays Scarpia in the opera by Giacomo Puccini.Grammy-winning collaboration
Their previous collaboration in Adriana Mater by Kaija Saariaho earned a Grammy for Best Opera Recording. The performance was conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen and released in 2025.ENO's thematic pairing
The English National Opera is presenting Tosca alongside Adriana Mater as part of a planned diptych. Artistic director Annilese Miskimmon directed both and designed them to explore similar themes.Setting and plot details
The Tosca production is set in a war-torn European country, not Rome in 1800. A foreign army is at the border, and music becomes a refuge before political forces take control. The second part of the diptych will be performed later in November with a new cast.Fanyo's preparation and past performances
Fanyo first performed the role of Tosca in 2023 at the Imperial Theatre of Compiègne. Critics praised her performance, and she has continued to develop the character since then. She will now perform with the English National Opera's full orchestra.Cast and production details
Chaz'men Williams-Ali will sing the role of Cavaradossi. The production runs until December 11, with performances in English. Christopher Purves will perform in the role of Scarpia until November 21, after which Craig Colclough will take over.
