Simon Boccanegra is a former pirate chosen to become the head of state in Genoa. Jacopo Fiesco is a nobleman exiled from the city. The two men are bound together by the strongest of family ties – but they’ve been sworn enemies for decades. As their poisonous rivalry plays out in power struggles and revenge plots, can they bury the hatchet before it’s too late?

The brilliant Opera North followed their concert stagings of Turandot, Aida and other Italian classics with their first ever performances of Verdi’s intense drama of love, loss and reconciliation – powered by the thrilling sound of the on-stage orchestra. Simon Boccanegra premiered at St George’s Hall as part of Bradford 2025.