For many aficionados of British history on film, our perceptions of Queen Elizabeth  I (the “Virgin Queen”) have most recently been shaped by Cate Blanchett’s ferociously luminous portrayals in the 1998 and 2007 movie versions of the monarch’s personal and political passions during her formidable reign.

The Minnesota Opera’s riveting “Roberto Devereux” changes all that. The first in Gaetano Donizetti’s trilogy of operas based on the Tudor queens, “Devereux” stars local favorite and soprano Brenda Harris as the queen in the bel-canto opera. During last Friday’s opening-night performance, Harris seared the heavens with a blazing performance that left her visibly exhausted during final bows.

Harris executed the golden and silver filigree the bel-canto singing style demands — an astounding repertoire of trills, runs and the like (think vocal gymnastics, but it’s known as coloratura) — with a thrilling control infused with the passionate discontent of a queen wronged. In this version of events, Devereux is less the object of the queen’s wrath for his reported political treachery; she sentences him to the ax for not loving her, as a treachery of the heart bears more dire consequences for this Elizabeth.

Portuguese tenor Bruno Ribeiro, in his Minnesota Opera debut, is her perfect foil with his flawless and luscious protestations. He’s in love with Sara, the Duchess of Nottingham (Tamara Klivadenko), who is the Queen’s confident. Sara’s husband, the Duke (Lester Lynch), happens to be Devereux’s friend and advocate. Needless to say, mayhem ensues.

Mezzo-soprano Klivadenko infuses her conflicted Sara with a desperation that dares us to find fault with her. Lynch’s clear, muscular baritone renders the duke the greatest victim in this affair, duped in love and friendship despite holding both closest to his heart.

Against Neil Patel’s stunning set and musically shaped by Franceso Maria Columbo’s conducting, Harris commands the stage in Jessica Jahn’s voluminous period gowns. It’s disconcerting to view Queen Elizabeth I in a regal rage over unrequited love, ruled by her heart rather than the head with which she governed so brilliantly. Yet Harris’ queen gives voice to a historical eminence whose allure never dims.

“Roberto Devereux,” Minnesota Opera. Various times, through Feb 7. Ordway, St. Paul. Tickets $20-$200. 612-333-6669.