The opera, in its lyrical programming, featured the first work: Les pêcheurs de perles in November 2018, followed by: Don Giovanni in January 2019, then: The Rake’s Progress in March 2019, a rarely performed piece, ending with a strong tribute to Goethe with his myth of Faust. A silent film made in 1926 depicts Faust, a German legend, as a tribute to the centenary of the Victorine studios.
The program includes in March 2019: The Damnation of Faust and in May 2019: Faust. Thus, both Berlioz, who resided in Nice, and Gounod will be honored, providing an opportunity to compare the benefits of selling one’s soul to the devil! Meanwhile, in March, a gala evening will be animated by Leo Nucci with Verdi pieces.
Beyond the lyrical pieces, the Nice opera offers numerous symphonic concerts, including a return to the Acropolis Palace on September 22, with the curtain-raiser for the 2018-2019 season. The concerts will then reappear in their usual Italian-style venue.
Some concerts will be relocated to churches: Saint François de Paule and Notre Dame. The family concerts on Sunday mornings continue, year after year, growing more appreciated. Originally, they were designed to introduce children to the art of opera.
This year, for younger audiences, even babies, the “opera in the cradle” program will offer morning performances for this very young audience. Ballet has not been forgotten, as well as the operetta festival with two major works: My Fair Lady and Valses de Vienne.
Already, the season is nearing its end when: The Soldier’s Tale will be presented at the Diascomie. Here again, the topic involves the Devil and the exchange of a violin for a magical book. This work is scheduled for June 2019.
Thierry Jan
