In his first opera staging, Jan Lauwers shines new light on Monteverdi’s Incoronazione di Poppea at the Salzburg Festival. His ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ captures the dizzying power games between Poppea and Nerone, superbly performed by Sonya Yoncheva and Kate Lindsey, while striking imagery is created by the SEAD Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance and the BODHI PROJECT. Conductor William Christie proves once again that he is “most delicate of all experts of early music” (Merkur). “The love duet between Poppea and Nero is one of the most tender in opera history and of infinite magic.” (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Handel, Theodora
Handel’s own favourite amongst his English oratorios, Theodora proved a surprising failure at its 1750 London premiere, receiving only three performances and being revived just once before its composer’s death. That Theodora is now recognized as one of the most sublime and moving creations of Handel’s final years is largely due to the passionate advocacy of William Christie, who here directs his peerless period-instrument ensemble Les Arts Florissants for this new production at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. The starry cast is led by young British soprano Katherine Watson, instilling the title-role with her “vocal bloom, emotional depth and beguiling phrasing” (New York Times), and leading French counter-tenor Philippe Jaroussky, bringing his “seraphic timbre” (Les Echos) to the role of Didymus. Directed with “luminous simplicity” (Artistik Rezo) by Stephen Langridge this powerful and uplifting production transforms its historical story into a “timeless yet terribly current” (France TV Info.com) plea for freedom of conscience and religious tolerance in contemporary society.
Macelaru conducts La Damnation de Faust
90 years of the Orchestre National de France – that’s something to celebrate! To mark this special occasion, chief conductor Cristian Macelaru has decided to perform a work by the great Hector Berlioz. And what could be more suitable for this anniversary concert than La Damnation de Faust?
Berlioz himself described the work at the interface between symphony and opera as a “dramatic legend”. It achieved great popularity, not least due to the famous Rákóczi March, and enjoys cult status among many music lovers.
To present Berlioz’s work in all its glory, the Orchestre National de Fe is supported by the Chœur de Radio France as well as tenor John Irvin (Faust), mezzo-soprano Stéphanie d’Oustrac (Margarethe) and the two basses Paul Gay (Mephisto) and Frédéric Caton (Brander). The performance is further enhanced by the magnificent Art Deco décor of the Théâtre des Champs Elysées.
Le Concert de Paris 2023
The Concert de Paris celebrates its 10th edition: like every year on July 14, the Orchestre National de France welcomes the warm season with a large musical gathering at the foot of the Eiffel Tower! Conducted by Cristian Macelaru, and accompanied by the Chorus of Radio France, the orchestra invites the audience around the world and thousands of people on the spot, to experience great arias and famous concert pieces in the company of prestigious soloists like Ermonela Jaho, Daniil Trifonov, Vilde Frang, Pretty Yende, Franceso Demuro, Ludovic Tezier and Stephanie d’Oustrac.