|
|
|
| | Arts Calendar / June 19 / Opera |
|
|
|
|
|
 Opera in five acts by Giacomo Meyerbeer. Libretto by Eugene Scribe featuring Emile Deschamps. Musical Director: Valery Gergiev. Stage Director: Konstantin Balakin. Set Designer: Elena Vershinina. Sing in French. August 1572. Paris is abuzz with the royal wedding festivities. The union of the Catholic Marguerite de Valois and the Huguenot Henry of Navarre is poised to quell the religious strife between the two Christian denominations, heralding a much-anticipated era of peace in France. Count de Nevers, a Catholic, hosts guests at his castle and informs them of another expected guest – the young nobleman Raoul de Nangis, whom he recently befriended in Paris. Raoul, a Huguenot, is anticipated to receive a warm reception from Nevers’ Catholic friends, in light of the royal decree proclaiming peace between Catholics and Huguenots. Raoul soon makes his entrance, and wine is served. Noticing the young man’s pensive demeanor, the castle’s lord is eager to uncover his heartfelt secret. Yielding to persuasion, Raoul recounts how, a few days prior, during a stroll, he rescued a beautiful unknown maiden from the bothersome advances of a drunken group of students. Smitten by the young stranger, he fell in love with her. As Raoul shares his tale, his loyal servant and mentor, the old Huguenot soldier Marcel, appears. He watches with disdain as his master mingles with the detested Catholics. Attempting to reason with Raoul and take him away, Marcel sings a Lutheran hymn.
Bolshoi Theater  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The virtual community for English-speaking expats and Russians
