Queen Christina of Sweden

Hannah French explores the life of Queen Christina of Sweden, who was born 400 years ago this year and became one of the most important musical benefactors in Rome.

Christina succeeded her father Gustavus Adolphus on his death at the Battle of Lützen in 1632 when she was just five years old, but abdicated the throne in 1654 and settled in Rome. She was passionate about music and the arts, forming a literary circle for leading artists in the city, and Rome's first public opera house, il Teatro Tordinona, was opened in 1671 at Christina's instigation. She acted as a patron to many of the most important musicians working in Rome at the time, including Scarlatti and Corelli, the latter of whom dedicated his Op 1 Sonatas to her.

Producer: Ben Collingwood.