LES PÊCHEURS DE PERLES

The island of Ceylon and its renowned fishermen, a beautiful and chaste Brahmin priestess, two men who have fallen in love with her but who are bound by an unbreakable oath of friendship: these are the ingredients of this elegiac and enchanting opera by the young Bizet, an embodiment of the exotic movement, with its succession of poignant scenes and ineffable arias displayed like jewels on a necklace – including Nadir’s famous aria “Je crois entendre encore”. Introducing a new title to its repertoire with the support of some of its most valued artists is the Festival’s way of celebrating Bizet’s anniversary: Pene Pati continues his rise to stardom in French opera; and, after her brilliant performance in Le Prophète, Mané Galoyan returns as Leïla. Both are debuting in their roles. And this year, Florian Sempey is once again set to demonstrate his unparalleled vocal authority as Zurga. An incomparable devotee of the repertoire, but performing this work for the first time, Marc Minkowski makes an eagerly awaited return to Aix at the helm of the Musiciens du Louvre and the Choeur de l’Opéra Grand Avignon.