Les Troyens
David McVicar brings Berlioz’s most ambitious work to Covent Garden. The sheer scale of the story, music and staging make this an event not to be missed.
Introduction
After the destruction of Troy, the Trojan warrior Énée sets out on a journey to found a new dynasty. He meets Didon, Queen of Carthage, and falls in love. But will Énée's love for Didon prove stronger than his sense of duty?
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Christopher Wheeldon's Aeternum, Marianela Nuñez, Bryan Hymel, Gillian Lynne and Stage Management teams nominated.
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Il trittico and Eva-Maria Westbroek shortlisted for RPS Music awards
Two Royal Opera nominations in this year's Royal Philharmonic Society Awards.
Background
Les Troyens is a tour de force of music that ranges from fiery military marches to intense choruses, passionate soliloquies – such as those of the prophetess Cassandre – and the lyrical love duets of Didon and Énée. It is Hector Berlioz's largest work and he wrote the libretto himself, drawing upon his intimate knowledge of Virgil's Aeneid. To the composer's disappointment, Les Troyens was only performed once in full during his lifetime. It was often presented in shortened form during the 20th century. The Royal Opera's production provides a rare chance to see this epic work in its entirety.
David McVicar's staging is on an enormous scale, assembling one of the largest casts ever seen at Covent Garden. The sweeping theme of the rise and fall of empires runs throughout Les Troyens, along with moving meditations on love and honour.
Live cinema season
Les Troyens
November 2012 TBC
Eva-Maria Westbroek, Bryan Hymel and Anna Caterina Antonacci
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Guidance
There will be intermittent strobe lighting for seven minutes at the start of Act IV
Co-production with
Vienna State Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Milan, and San Francisco Opera
Running time
About 5 hours 30 minutes | Including two intervals
Acts 1 and 2 will last for about 1 hour 30 mins, followed by a 30 minute interval. Acts 3 and 4 will last about 1 hour 50 mins, followed by a 30 minute interval.
Language
Sung in French with English Surtitles
Credits
| Director | David McVicar |
| Set designs | Es Devlin |
| Costume designs | Moritz Junge |
| Lighting design | Wolfgang Göbbel |
| Choreography | Andrew George |
Related links
- www.independent.co.uk Les Troyens - review
- www.youtube.com Antonio Pappano introduces the music of Les Troyens
- www.youtube.com Bryan Hymel on David McVicar's production
- www.guardian.co.uk Les Troyens - Es Devlin: the designer going from Gaga to the Olympic closing ceremony
- www.youtube.com Es Devlin on designing for The Royal Opera
- www.independent.co.uk David McVicar on the huge challenge of staging Les Troyens
