Lakmé
Léo Delibes (1836-1891)
Opera in three acts
Libretto by Edmond Gondinet and Philippe Gille after the novel «Rarahu ou Le Mariage de Loti» by Pierre Loti
Concert performance
In French with German and English surtitles. Duration approx. 2 H. 20 Min. incl. intermission after 1st part after approx. 50 Min.
There is no introduction 45 minutes before the performance.
With the kind support of the 
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Lakmé
Abstract
Lakmé
Perhaps the most famous opera duet of all times comes from Léo Delibes’ opera Lakmé: The «Flower Duet» for soprano and mezzo-soprano is a favorite not just in concert halls, but has proven to be a hit in commercials and films. And Lakmé’s «Bell Song» is a favorite showpiece for soprano virtuosos. The title role is ideal for one of the most exciting French voices of our time: Sabine Devieilhe. Her soprano combines the lightness of crystal-clear coloratura with warm, colorful lyricism. Devieilhe has previously thrilled at the Opernhaus Zürich as the title role in Donizetti’s Fille du regiment, and as Sophie in Strauss’ Rosenkavalier. Her 2017 album Mirages, which took listeners on a tour of late 19th century composers who had been inspired by the musical colors of distant lands, included highlights from Delibes’ Lakmé. Leo Délibes enjoyed success in Paris as a ballet composer with Coppélia and for Lakmé, his best-known opera. It premiered in 1883 at the Opéra Comique, and is about the unhappy union between British officer Gérald and Lakmé, the daughter of Nilakantha, a Brahmin priest fighting against the colonial rulers. Alongside Sabine Devieilhe, this concert performance features Edgardo Rocha. He is a highly acclaimed bel canto tenor, who has appeared numerous times at the Opernhaus Zürich in a variety of Rossini roles, including the title role in Le Comte Ory, Narciso in Il turco in Italia, and Cavaliere Belfiore in Il viaggio a Reims. The cast is rounded out by bass-baritone Philippe Sly as Nilakantha and baritone Björn Bürger as Frédéric, two promising young singers making their debut appearances at the Opernhaus Zürich.
