OPERA
Supported by the Antenna Group. In collaboration with the Athens Concert Hall
& the Thessaloniki Concert Hall
A production of the Antenna Group
Live broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera, New York
– Francis Poulenc: Dialogues des Carmélites
Libretto by Francis Poulenc, based on the play by Georges Bernanos
In French, with Greek subtitles
Production John Dexter
Set designer David Reppa
Costume designer Jane Greenwood
Lighting designer Gil Wechsler
Revival stage director David Kneuss
Blanche de la Force Isabel Leonard
Mme Lidoine Adrianne Pieczonka
Constance Erin Morley
Mère Marie Karen Cargill
Mme de Croissy (The Prioress) Karita Mattila
Chevalier de la Force David Portillo
Marquis de la Force Jean-François Lapointe
Conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin
A devastating story of faith and martyrdom. One of the most popular post-war operas in the international repertoire, premiered at the Teatro alla Scala in 1957, and based on what was originally a screenplay by Georges Bernanos inspired by a true story: in 1794, during the closing days of the ‘Reign of Terror’, the ‘Martyrs of Compiègne’, Carmelite nuns refusing to conform to the dissolution of the monasteries, were led to the guillotine.
Isabel Leonard appears in the leading role of Blanche de la Force, opposite legendary Karita Mattila singing the role of the Prioress.