A unique and extravagant spectacle at the crossroads of opera, ballet and artistry, captured on film for the very first time: Conductor Sébastien Daucé recreates the Sun King’s opulent Ballet royal de la nuit and evokes the splendour of the 17th century’s French court at the Théâtre de Caen. To recreate this total work of art, which brings together music and imagery, lavish decorations and opulent costumes, Daucé enlists the help of 20 singers, twelve acrobats and three jugglers as well as dancer Sean Patrick Mombruno and the musicians of Ensemble Correspondance, distinguished specialists in the music of the French Grand Siècle. And when Ballet royal de la nuit culminates in the rise of the radiating Sun, there’s nothing left but “unreserved admiration” (Le Monde) for this “exquisite Gesamtkunstwerk” (Welt.de). “A king-like, no, a veritable Sun-King-like delight!” (br.de)
Lucas Debargue – To the Music
For a year, the film follows the pianist Lucas Debargue through his encounters, his discoveries and his quest for music. In his early career, revealed by the XVth International Tchaikovsky Competition, praised by the public and critics, Lucas is confronted with the concerts that come one after another. He discovers the relationship with the conductor and music partners, studio recordings, post-concerts, success and autographs. He has now found his new life, a whole life devoted to music.
Lucerne Festival 2022: Chailly conducts Rachmaninov
For Riccardo Chailly, celebrating Rachmaninov in Lucerne is something dear to his heart. This summer, he is devoting himself to the Symphony No. 2 in E Minor – the composer’s richest and densest contribution to the genre, evoking Tchaikovsky in form, as well as Borodin and Sibelius in the epic, almost Nordic spirit of its music.
Lucerne Festival 2022: Riccardo Chailly & Mao Fujita
Sergei Rachmaninov is perhaps most remembered—and beloved—for his piano concertos, which still stand as pillars of Romanticism, though mostly written in the 20th century. At the 2022 Lucerne Festival, virtuoso pianist Mao Fujita performs the composer’s celebrated Piano Concerto No. 2—absolutely brimming with memorable melody and poignant harmony—alongside maestro Riccardo Chailly at the head of the Lucerne Festival Orchestra!
Lucerne Festival 2025: Chailly conducts Rachmaninoff
The Lucerne Festival Orchestra and Riccardo Chailly continued their journey into Sergei Rachmaninoff’s emotional world. With the rarely performed The Rock, Op. 7, they immersed themselves in the composer’s early work. In his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Rachmaninoff counterposes his own piano virtuosity against the brilliance of the legendary violinist Paganini. The piece was performed by the exceptional pianist Beatrice Rana, renowned worldwide for her electrifying playing. To conclude the evening, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra, under Riccardo Chailly’s direction, presented Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 1. PROGRAM Rachmaninoff: The Rock, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Symphony No 1
Das Rheingold
The Zurich Opera’s production of Das Rheingold, directed by Andreas Homoki and conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, presents the cosmic struggles between gods, giants, and Nibelungs over a cursed ring. Homoki emphasizes character and narrative, portraying these figures as reflections of human nature grappling with themes of love, power, and sacrifice. Noseda’s conducting, paired with Philharmonia Zürich, revitalizes Wagner’s score, while Christian Schmidt’s set design enhances the story’s timelessness. The cast, featuring Tomasz Konieczny as Wotan and Christopher Purves as Alberich, delivers powerful performances that bring the mythic characters to life.
Götterdämmerung
The Zurich Opera’s production of Götterdämmerung, directed by Andreas Homoki and conducted by Gianandrea Noseda, concludes Wagner’s Ring Cycle with a powerful narrative of betrayal and downfall. The opera emphasizes Siegfried’s tragic conflicts, his betrayal of Brünnhilde, and his demise at Hagen’s hands. Performances by Klaus Florian Vogt as Siegfried and Camilla Nylund as Brünnhilde highlight the depth of their doomed love, while David Leigh’s portrayal of Hagen intensifies the drama surrounding Siegfried’s death. The production culminates in a gripping climax that explores themes of fate and redemption, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.
Siegfried
Wagner’s second day of the stage-festival drama showcases Siegfried’s journey as he seeks answers about his origins and confronts the dragon Fafner. Andreas Homoki emphasizes Siegfried’s innocence and courage, depicting his transformation from an unknowing orphan to a heroic figure. Gianandrea Noseda and the Philharmonia Zurich enhance Wagner’s themes of nature, heroism, and existential freedom through musical intensity. Klaus Florian Vogt’s portrayal, along with Camilla Nylund as Brünnhilde and Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke as Mime, adds layers of dark humor and cunning. Christian Schmidt’s set design vividly illustrates Siegfried’s self-discovery journey.
Die Walküre
In Wagner’s Die Walküre, separated twins Siegmund and Sieglinde embark on a forbidden love that disrupts Wotan’s intentions to manipulate fate. Fricka demands Siegmund’s death due to marriage laws, prompting Wotan to command his daughter, Brünnhilde, to allow this. Defying Wotan, Brünnhilde aims to protect Siegmund, which leads to tragic consequences as Wotan intervenes, resulting in Siegmund’s demise. Andreas Homoki’s Zurich production highlights emotional depth, with Gianandrea Noseda’s conducting enhancing Wagner’s nuances. The performances by Eric Cutler, Daniela Köhler, and Camilla Nylund are exceptional, supported by Christian Schmidt’s evocative set designs that reflect the majesty of Wagner’s world.