London Docklands Singers
Queen Marie of Romania, July 2025

Marcel Opera, in association with the London Docklands Singers
Marcel Chamber Ensemble
Carolina Hock, title role
Donna Achara, producer
Theia Charles, artistic director
Andrew Campling, musical director

Premiered at The Space E14 in 2023, this opera is based on the extraordinary life of Queen Marie of Romania (1875-1938).

Marie was a granddaughter both of Queen Victoria of Great Britain and of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. The opera charts Marie's life from the time of her marriage to Crown Prince Ferdinand of Romania in 1893 until her death in Pelis Castle, Romania in 1938. Marie served her adopted country as a nurse during World War I, as a diplomat at the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, and thereafter as a promoter of peace between nations - inspired in part by her interest in the Baha'i faith.

Throughout her adult life Marie faced huge challenges - cultural, political, and personal. This fascinating show highlights the perennial themes of love, death, devotion to duty, and personal conflict.