Les Pêcheurs de perles

Les Pêcheurs de perles launched Bizet’s operatic career, even though it was not warmly received when it was premiered and was described by the composer himself as “a stunning but honourable defeat”. It was written when he was just twenty-five years old and the influences of Gounod and Verdi can be detected. The story is set in Ceylon, although the young composer had never left Paris, but there is no local colour at all. However, with his arias, including Nadir’s famous romance “Je crois entendre encore”, and highly melodic duets and choruses, Bizet conjures up an oriental dream in which youthful feelings are uppermost.

Bizet’s very sensual score is tailormade to appeal to the inventiveness of Pierre-André Weitz, a long-time collaborator of Olivier Py, who will take on the roles of director, set designer and costume designer. For this work celebrating youth, Pretty Yende will be returning to avenue Montaigne to bring her vocal ease and assured stage presence to the character of Leïla. Amitai Pati will continue to showcase his stunning mastery of French singing, and Florian Sempey will stamp his vocal authority on the role of Zurga. In the orchestra pit, Marc Minkowski and his Musiciens du Louvre are back to share their infectious energy.

Nouvelle production Coproduction Théâtre des Champs-Élysées | Opéra National du Rhin
En partenariat avec france.tv et Le Figaro