Cast
- Lyric tragedy in five acts to a libretto by Louis de Cahusac, premiered in Aix-en-Provence in 1982.
- Deborah Cachet Alphise
- Caroline Weynants Sémire
- Mathias Vidal Abaris
- Sébastien Droy Calisis
- Tomáš Král Adamas
- Christian Immler Borée
- Tomáš Šelc* Borilée
- Lukáš Zeman* Apollon
- Tereza Zimková*, Helena Hozová*, Pavla Radostová* L'Amour, Polimnie et Nymphes
- Collegium 1704 Choir and Orchestra
- Václav Luks Conductor
- Concert in French with French and English surtitles.
- * Soloists of Collegium Vocale 1704
Presentation
A long-forgotten monument to French opera, executed with an energy that truly does it justice. It has it all: the pain of forbidden love, plaintive distress at blatant injustice, the terror of a catastrophic tempest, the relief of a happy ending. You will be captivated by this, Rameau’s final masterpiece, conducted by Václav Luks !
Rameau’s career was in its twilight years when rehearsals of his final work, Les Boréades, began in spring 1764 at the Académie Royale de Musique. The death of the composer in September interrupted the production of his lyric tragedy, which was only saw the light of day two centuries later! This magnificent opera is undoubtedly the most accomplished of Rameau’s works, composed when he was aged eighty and in full possession of his creative means. The composition for orchestra and choir is dizzyingly brilliant, the melodic invention exceptional, the drama powerful: a true musical testament.
Show moreThe story unfolds in Ancient Bactria, in Central Asia: Queen Alphise must marry and the two sons of Boreas, god of the wind, are both eager suitors. But she loves Abaris, a young foreigner, and resolves to obey the choice made for her by Apollo. Boreas’ fury unleashes storms, Alphise is abducted by the furious god whose anger only abates when he learns from Apollo that Abaris is his son: Boreas lays down his weapons before the godly lineage. The opera is a succession of tensions, unleashed elements, romantic duets and magnificent lamentations. Taking on this monument of French music, Václav Luks brings together experienced soloists and the skills of his choir and orchestra, all familiar with Versailles: their talent is admirable and Versailles owes this to Rameau !
PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
REDUCED RATE applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).
To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89.
In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).
Also available…
Triple CD Les Boréades
N°26
A monument of French opera, long forgotten, performed with an energy that honors it. Everything is there; pain of an impossible love, lamenting distress in the face of blatant injustice, terror of a devastating storm, relief of a favorable ending. May you be seized by this unique masterpiece, directed by Václav Luks !
More info