The novice Fernando renounces his religious vows for love of the beautiful Leonora, not knowing she is the mistress of King Alfonso XI of Castile. When the King arranges their marriage to rid himself of a papal scandal, Fernando discovers the truth and returns to the monastery in disgust. Leonora, dying of grief, follows him to beg forgiveness. Donizetti's grand opera, originally composed for Paris, contains some of his most emotionally powerful music.
Captured performances available to watch