Your events at Classical Events
Details
Cadogan Hall
5 Sloane Terrace
Sloane Square, Belgravia
London
SW1X 9DQ
England
Programme
Léo Delibes – Lakmé
Performers
Matthew Scott-Rogers – Conductor
Haegee Lee – soprano
Elgan Llŷr Thomas – tenor
Julien Van Mellaerts – baritone
James Platt – Bass
Polly Leech – mezzo-soprano
Sarah Pring – mezzo-soprano
Lorena Paz Nieto – soprano
Caroline Carragher – mezzo-soprano
Magnus Walker – tenor
David Padua – tenor
John Vallance – tenor
Chelsea Opera Group Chorus
Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra
Programme Note
Chelsea Opera Group’s performance of Lakmé by Léo Delibes offers the rare treat of hearing the work, popular from excerpts but only infrequently put on stage, in its entirety.
Set in a time of British repression of Indian religious practices, Delibes sets out a classic story of forbidden love between cultures. Goddess-like Lakmé falls in love with the poetically minded British officer Gérald and saves him after a vengeful attack by her Brahmin priest father Nilakantha. However, when Gérald must return to Britain, Lakmé takes her own life.
Delibes’ score is filled with delightful melodies and orchestral colours, though the gorgeous Flower Duet from Act 1 and the dizzying virtuosity of the Bell Song in Act 2 are essential listening for anyone interested in opera.
We are thrilled to once again welcome Matthew Scott Rogers to conduct what will no doubt be an enchanting evening.
Concert performance sung in French with English surtitles.
4.45pm: Pre-concert talk (free to ticket holders)
