Jean-François Borras & Magali Léger Highlight Centre Lyrique Clermont-Auvergne’s 2019-20 Season

Centre Lyrique Clermont-Auvergne has announced its 2019-20 season, which will include opera, musical theatre, recitals, concerts, films, expositions, and family and youth programs. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on opera and other vocal performances. The season will kick off with Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de perles,” directed by Éric Perez and Olivier Desbordes. Gaspard Brécourt will lead the {…}

May 22, 2019

Asociación Bilbaína de Amigos de la Ópera 2018-19 Review: Les Pêcheurs de Perles

“Les Pêcheurs de Perles” is but one of two operas by Bizet regularly performed. And even still, this work is heavily overshadowed by “Carmen,” one of the great classics of the repertory. Written by the young 26-year-old Bizet, the work features an inspiring atmospheric score with a deep taste of exoticism and mysticism; it is incredible how Bizet, who had {…}

Nov 23, 2018

Alexander Birch Elliott To Sing Remaining Met Opera ‘Pêcheur de Perles’ Performances

The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Alexander Birch Elliott will sing the remaining performances of “Les Pêcheurs de Perles.” Mariusz Kwiecien, who was originally cast, as Zurga will sit out due to illness. Kwiecien reportedly sang the first three performances, but constantly withdrew at the first interval due to his illness. The Polish baritone had sung the original run of {…}

Nov 12, 2018

Met Opera 2018-19 Preview: A Look At the Brief History of ‘Les Pêcheurs de Perles’ In NY

For just the third time in Metropolitan Opera history, Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles” will receive a revival. The opera had its Met premiere on Jan. 11, 1896, but only two of its acts were performed. The first full performance of the opera would have to wait 20 years when it appeared on opening night, Nov. 13, 1916. The cast {…}

Oct 25, 2018

Composer Profile: George Bizet – Struggling Composer In Life, Immortalized by ‘Carmen’ in Death

Georges Bizet, born on Oct. 25, 1838, created perhaps the most popular opera of all-time. Unfortunately died without knowing that. Bizet had a solid start to his career, winning the prestigious Prix de Rome during his student years at the Conservatoire de Paris. But that never translated into a sturdy opera career, with Bizet finding his works largely ignored. He {…}

Nov 4, 2017

4 Essential Video Recordings By Baritone Mariusz Kwiecien

Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecien has delivered some of the finest performances of the past decade, cementing himself as one of the greatest singing actors of his generation. Born on Nov. 4, the baritone has explored a wide-range of repertoire, always showcasing nuance in both his singing and his acting. He started his career back in native Poland before becoming a {…}

Oct 25, 2017

Explore George Bizet’s Rare Operas Not Named ‘Carmen’ Or ‘Les Pêcheurs de Perles’

You know “Carmen.” And you’ve probably gotten to know “Les Pêcheurs de perles” quite well also. But what of George Bizet’s other operas? How many are there? What subjects do they narrate and explore? Here is a run down of those other operas from the famed composer, born on Oct. 25, 1838, under the name Alexandre César Léopold Bizet. Le {…}

Sep 30, 2017

Opera Profile: Bizet’s ‘Les Pecheurs de Perles’

“Les Pecheurs de Perles” is an opera composed by Georges Bizet, with the libretto written by Eugene Cormon and Michel Carre. Premiering on September 30, 1863, Bizet was only 24 years old when the curtain first rose. Despite having written previous operas, such as “Le docteur Miracle,” and having won the Prix de Rome scholarship to develop his skills in {…}

Feb 20, 2017

CD/DVD Releases -Week of Feb. 20: Diana Damrau Leads New Releases In Bizet

It isn’t a particularly busy week in terms of releases, but there are some gems that people will undeniably want to check out. Here is a look at the French and German offerings you can find available for home release. Damrau in Bizet One of the major highlights of the Met Opera’s 2015-16 season was Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles.” {…}

Dec 29, 2016

Metropolitan Opera Preview 2016 -17: Diana Damrau & Vittorio Grigolo To Bring Chemistry to ‘Romeo et Juliette’

Gounod’s beloved “Romeo Juliette” returns to the Met on New Years Eve with a star cast that includes two singers that had electric chemistry in another great French work a few years ago. The Performers Diana Damrau and Vittorio were a dynamic duo when they took the stage for Massenet’s “Manon” back in March 2015. Their chemistry was revered by {…}

les pecheurs de perles