LES PÊCHEURS DE PERLES (THE PEARL FISHERS)
In Brief
Operafantasy in two parts, in French with Hungarian and English surtitles
Performance by The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera
This is the first production of a work by Georges Bizet to be staged by the Saint Petersburg Chamber Opera. However, it was not the world-renowned Carmen that director Yuri Alexandrov chose for the company’s first effort, but rather the less famous but equally brilliant Les pêcheurs de perles. “The Pearl Fishers” was the first opera that the young composer was commissioned to write by the Théâtre Lyrique, the main theatre of the French capital in the middle of the 19th century. It took Bizet only a few months to write the work. After the premiere, Hector Berlioz wrote that the score of the opera "contains a lot of fine expressive moments, full of fire and rich colour". Les pêcheurs de perles fascinates the audience with its melodic richness and dramatic expressiveness. It is these properties of the musical score, as well as his passion for staging opera rarities, that attracted Alexandrov, who is known for his extraordinary interpretations of opera plots.
The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera, according to Yuri Alexandrov, will amaze the audience not only with the great performers of the main roles but also with colorful scenery and costumes. The fairy-tale and beautiful world of the East will appear in front of the audience. The action takes place in the underwater kingdom, in the jungle, in caves and even in heaven. Scenography belongs to Vyacheslav Okunev. Les pêcheurs de perles has several versions with fundamentally different endings. What kind of finale the St. Petersburg Chamber Opera offers – the audience will discover themselves.
The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera, according to Yuri Alexandrov, will amaze the audience not only with the great performers of the main roles but also with colorful scenery and costumes. The fairy-tale and beautiful world of the East will appear in front of the audience. The action takes place in the underwater kingdom, in the jungle, in caves and even in heaven. Scenography belongs to Vyacheslav Okunev. Les pêcheurs de perles has several versions with fundamentally different endings. What kind of finale the St. Petersburg Chamber Opera offers – the audience will discover themselves.
Synopsis
For the first time for the judgment of the spectators Les pêcheurs de perles was presented in September 1863 in Paris' Théâtre-Lyrique. During the life of the composer, Les pêcheurs de perles had no admirers, as well as other operas of him. The exception was not even the pearl of the classical repertoire – Carmen, the failure of which the 37-year-old composer could not get over. And although after years of success came to Bizet, the 'evil fate' pursues the French composer until now. His operas, excluding Carmen, are not popular with directors. Les pêcheurs de perles is among them and considered as an extremely rare guest on the Russian stage.
The plot of the opera is rather simple. It is based on the story of the selfless love of young Nadir and the priestess of Leila, on the way to happiness which the supreme priest Nourabad and Zurga stand - the leader chosen by the pearl seekers and an old friend of Nadir. Being jealous of him to Leila, Zurga decides to betray both to be executed but after painful thinking gives life to a friend of his youth and Leila, in whom he recognized the girl saved his life many years ago.
In fact, in Les pêcheurs de perles the main thing is not the plot, but the melodic side. This music has become so popular that it is cited in the movies, performed in instrumental arrangements and sung even by rock musicians, like, for example, the famous Nadir's aria Je crois entendre encore performed by David Gilmour or the rare male duo for tenor and baritone 'Au fond du temple saint', not so long ago famous for the duo of Roberto Alagna and Bryn Terfel.
The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera, according to Yuri Alexandrov, will amaze the audience not only with the great performers of the main roles but also with colorful scenery and costumes. The fairy-tale and beautiful world of the East will appear in front of the audience. The action takes place in the underwater kingdom, in the jungle, in caves and even in heaven. Scenography belongs to Vyacheslav Okunev. Les pêcheurs de perles has several versions
Act 1
On the seashore, pearl divers perform a ritual dance as they select a new leader. The chosen one must be a respected, strong young warrior, and they select Zurga. Nadir appears, and we learn that he and Zurga were childhood friends. However, during a journey to the temple of Kandy, they both fell in love with a mysterious woman. To avoid becoming mortal enemies, the friends parted ways and vowed never to seek out the beautiful stranger (Leila). Now, reunited after many months, neither knows if they are still friends or enemies. Nadir returns, believing he has overcome his passion. Though neither can forget meeting Leila at the temple, they once again renounce their love in the name of friendship.
A boat approaches, carrying Leila, her face hidden by a long veil. According to ancient tradition, the divers bring a beautiful woman from distant lands each year, believing that her singing will protect them from evil spirits during pearl harvesting. Zurga explains that Leila’s face must remain a mystery and her fate is to renounce love. Should she give in to passion, she will face death; but if she remains true to her vow, she will become their goddess. As Leila swears the oath, she recognizes Nadir in the crowd and realizes he is her long-lost lover. Zurga, noticing her sudden reaction, asks why her hands are trembling and her heart racing. If she is afraid, he says, she can still leave. Leila swears to fulfill her vow. Priest Nourabad leads Leila to the sanctuary where she will sing. The pearl diving begins… Nadir soon realizes that the priestess is the same beautiful stranger from the temple. His passion reignites, and he knows he can no longer resist, as he once already broke his vow by secretly following Leila and listening to her sing in the darkness.
Act 2
Night falls. Nourabad leads Leila to a secluded and protected place where she can rest, again reminding her of the importance of her vow. Leila assures him that she understands the meaning of loyalty. Years ago, when she was a child, a man ran into their hut, seeking refuge from his enemies. Despite the threats of bandits, Leila did not reveal his hiding place. In gratitude, the man gave her a pearl necklace, which she has kept all her life. Nourabad leaves, and Leila, left alone, dreams of love. Suddenly, Nadir appears. He confesses that despite their vows, he can no longer run from love. Leila urges him to leave, warning that their happiness is impossible, as she is a priestess and both of their lives are in danger. Nadir insists that his love is stronger than any vows or fears. Leila, in turn, confesses her love. They agree to meet again the following night.
Their private moment is abruptly interrupted by Nourabad, who summons the tribe and denounces them as criminals. There will be no mercy! Nadir tries to protect Leila and takes full responsibility. Zurga, using his authority, attempts to save his friend, ordering that they be released. As leader, his word is final. However, before Nadir and Leila can leave, the treacherous Nourabad demands that Leila, who has broken her vow, reveal her face, as she has lost her sacred status as priestess. Nourabad rips the veil from Leila’s face, and Zurga recognizes her as the beautiful woman from the temple. Enraged, Zurga realizes Nadir has betrayed him, and he is consumed by a desire for revenge. Leila and Nadir face a terrible death, as the gods demand a blood sacrifice. Everyone, in desperation, prays to Brahma. Zurga is left alone, tormented by guilt, realizing that blind fury has clouded his judgment and led him to condemn the two people he cares about most to a cruel fate. At that moment, Leila is brought to him, asking to speak with him privately. She pleads with Zurga to save Nadir, offering to take his place, as she believes only she is to blame. Certain that Zurga will show mercy, Leila's pleas, however, only inflame his jealousy. In a fit of rage, he shouts that he loves her as passionately as Nadir does.
Leila curses Zurga for his cruelty, claiming that his crime lies not in her breaking the vow, but in the fact that she chose someone else. In despair, Leila challenges him, saying that not even death can stand in the way of her love for Nadir. Nourabad appears to lead Leila to the sacrificial fire. Leila removes her pearl necklace and hands it to the priest, asking him to give it to her mother. Leila is taken away for execution. Recognizing his gift, Zurga snatches the necklace from Nourabad's hands. In a state of confusion, he realizes that Leila is the girl who once saved his life.
Dawn breaks. The pearl divers prepare to carry out the ritual in Brahma's name. Nourabad welcomes the sunrise and the moment of judgment for the guilty. However, the ritual is interrupted by Zurga, who announces that a fire has broken out in the village. He urges the people to leave the prisoners and save their children from the flames. The pearl divers flee in panic. Zurga frees Nadir and Leila, confessing that he started the fire himself. He urges them to escape, as the thought of their happiness fills his soul with light. Zurga, however, is prepared to stay behind and face the wrath of the tribe.
The divers return, shouting that Zurga is a traitor and dragging him to the fire. Nadir and Leila realize they cannot abandon Zurga, knowing they cannot be happy at the cost of their friend's life. Together, Zurga, Leila, and Nadir walk into the sacrificial fire... Their love is eternal, unbreakable, freed from all earthly passions.
Act 1
On the seashore, pearl divers perform a ritual dance as they select a new leader. The chosen one must be a respected, strong young warrior, and they select Zurga. Nadir appears, and we learn that he and Zurga were childhood friends. However, during a journey to the temple of Kandy, they both fell in love with a mysterious woman. To avoid becoming mortal enemies, the friends parted ways and vowed never to seek out the beautiful stranger (Leila). Now, reunited after many months, neither knows if they are still friends or enemies. Nadir returns, believing he has overcome his passion. Though neither can forget meeting Leila at the temple, they once again renounce their love in the name of friendship.
A boat approaches, carrying Leila, her face hidden by a long veil. According to ancient tradition, the divers bring a beautiful woman from distant lands each year, believing that her singing will protect them from evil spirits during pearl harvesting. Zurga explains that Leila’s face must remain a mystery and her fate is to renounce love. Should she give in to passion, she will face death; but if she remains true to her vow, she will become their goddess. As Leila swears the oath, she recognizes Nadir in the crowd and realizes he is her long-lost lover. Zurga, noticing her sudden reaction, asks why her hands are trembling and her heart racing. If she is afraid, he says, she can still leave. Leila swears to fulfill her vow. Priest Nourabad leads Leila to the sanctuary where she will sing. The pearl diving begins… Nadir soon realizes that the priestess is the same beautiful stranger from the temple. His passion reignites, and he knows he can no longer resist, as he once already broke his vow by secretly following Leila and listening to her sing in the darkness.
Act 2
Night falls. Nourabad leads Leila to a secluded and protected place where she can rest, again reminding her of the importance of her vow. Leila assures him that she understands the meaning of loyalty. Years ago, when she was a child, a man ran into their hut, seeking refuge from his enemies. Despite the threats of bandits, Leila did not reveal his hiding place. In gratitude, the man gave her a pearl necklace, which she has kept all her life. Nourabad leaves, and Leila, left alone, dreams of love. Suddenly, Nadir appears. He confesses that despite their vows, he can no longer run from love. Leila urges him to leave, warning that their happiness is impossible, as she is a priestess and both of their lives are in danger. Nadir insists that his love is stronger than any vows or fears. Leila, in turn, confesses her love. They agree to meet again the following night.
Their private moment is abruptly interrupted by Nourabad, who summons the tribe and denounces them as criminals. There will be no mercy! Nadir tries to protect Leila and takes full responsibility. Zurga, using his authority, attempts to save his friend, ordering that they be released. As leader, his word is final. However, before Nadir and Leila can leave, the treacherous Nourabad demands that Leila, who has broken her vow, reveal her face, as she has lost her sacred status as priestess. Nourabad rips the veil from Leila’s face, and Zurga recognizes her as the beautiful woman from the temple. Enraged, Zurga realizes Nadir has betrayed him, and he is consumed by a desire for revenge. Leila and Nadir face a terrible death, as the gods demand a blood sacrifice. Everyone, in desperation, prays to Brahma. Zurga is left alone, tormented by guilt, realizing that blind fury has clouded his judgment and led him to condemn the two people he cares about most to a cruel fate. At that moment, Leila is brought to him, asking to speak with him privately. She pleads with Zurga to save Nadir, offering to take his place, as she believes only she is to blame. Certain that Zurga will show mercy, Leila's pleas, however, only inflame his jealousy. In a fit of rage, he shouts that he loves her as passionately as Nadir does.
Leila curses Zurga for his cruelty, claiming that his crime lies not in her breaking the vow, but in the fact that she chose someone else. In despair, Leila challenges him, saying that not even death can stand in the way of her love for Nadir. Nourabad appears to lead Leila to the sacrificial fire. Leila removes her pearl necklace and hands it to the priest, asking him to give it to her mother. Leila is taken away for execution. Recognizing his gift, Zurga snatches the necklace from Nourabad's hands. In a state of confusion, he realizes that Leila is the girl who once saved his life.
Dawn breaks. The pearl divers prepare to carry out the ritual in Brahma's name. Nourabad welcomes the sunrise and the moment of judgment for the guilty. However, the ritual is interrupted by Zurga, who announces that a fire has broken out in the village. He urges the people to leave the prisoners and save their children from the flames. The pearl divers flee in panic. Zurga frees Nadir and Leila, confessing that he started the fire himself. He urges them to escape, as the thought of their happiness fills his soul with light. Zurga, however, is prepared to stay behind and face the wrath of the tribe.
The divers return, shouting that Zurga is a traitor and dragging him to the fire. Nadir and Leila realize they cannot abandon Zurga, knowing they cannot be happy at the cost of their friend's life. Together, Zurga, Leila, and Nadir walk into the sacrificial fire... Their love is eternal, unbreakable, freed from all earthly passions.
The plot of the opera is rather simple. It is based on the story of the selfless love of young Nadir and the priestess of Leila, on the way to happiness which the supreme priest Nourabad and Zurga stand - the leader chosen by the pearl seekers and an old friend of Nadir. Being jealous of him to Leila, Zurga decides to betray both to be executed but after painful thinking gives life to a friend of his youth and Leila, in whom he recognized the girl saved his life many years ago.
In fact, in Les pêcheurs de perles the main thing is not the plot, but the melodic side. This music has become so popular that it is cited in the movies, performed in instrumental arrangements and sung even by rock musicians, like, for example, the famous Nadir's aria Je crois entendre encore performed by David Gilmour or the rare male duo for tenor and baritone 'Au fond du temple saint', not so long ago famous for the duo of Roberto Alagna and Bryn Terfel.
The St. Petersburg Chamber Opera, according to Yuri Alexandrov, will amaze the audience not only with the great performers of the main roles but also with colorful scenery and costumes. The fairy-tale and beautiful world of the East will appear in front of the audience. The action takes place in the underwater kingdom, in the jungle, in caves and even in heaven. Scenography belongs to Vyacheslav Okunev. Les pêcheurs de perles has several versions
Act 1
On the seashore, pearl divers perform a ritual dance as they select a new leader. The chosen one must be a respected, strong young warrior, and they select Zurga. Nadir appears, and we learn that he and Zurga were childhood friends. However, during a journey to the temple of Kandy, they both fell in love with a mysterious woman. To avoid becoming mortal enemies, the friends parted ways and vowed never to seek out the beautiful stranger (Leila). Now, reunited after many months, neither knows if they are still friends or enemies. Nadir returns, believing he has overcome his passion. Though neither can forget meeting Leila at the temple, they once again renounce their love in the name of friendship.
A boat approaches, carrying Leila, her face hidden by a long veil. According to ancient tradition, the divers bring a beautiful woman from distant lands each year, believing that her singing will protect them from evil spirits during pearl harvesting. Zurga explains that Leila’s face must remain a mystery and her fate is to renounce love. Should she give in to passion, she will face death; but if she remains true to her vow, she will become their goddess. As Leila swears the oath, she recognizes Nadir in the crowd and realizes he is her long-lost lover. Zurga, noticing her sudden reaction, asks why her hands are trembling and her heart racing. If she is afraid, he says, she can still leave. Leila swears to fulfill her vow. Priest Nourabad leads Leila to the sanctuary where she will sing. The pearl diving begins… Nadir soon realizes that the priestess is the same beautiful stranger from the temple. His passion reignites, and he knows he can no longer resist, as he once already broke his vow by secretly following Leila and listening to her sing in the darkness.
Act 2
Night falls. Nourabad leads Leila to a secluded and protected place where she can rest, again reminding her of the importance of her vow. Leila assures him that she understands the meaning of loyalty. Years ago, when she was a child, a man ran into their hut, seeking refuge from his enemies. Despite the threats of bandits, Leila did not reveal his hiding place. In gratitude, the man gave her a pearl necklace, which she has kept all her life. Nourabad leaves, and Leila, left alone, dreams of love. Suddenly, Nadir appears. He confesses that despite their vows, he can no longer run from love. Leila urges him to leave, warning that their happiness is impossible, as she is a priestess and both of their lives are in danger. Nadir insists that his love is stronger than any vows or fears. Leila, in turn, confesses her love. They agree to meet again the following night.
Their private moment is abruptly interrupted by Nourabad, who summons the tribe and denounces them as criminals. There will be no mercy! Nadir tries to protect Leila and takes full responsibility. Zurga, using his authority, attempts to save his friend, ordering that they be released. As leader, his word is final. However, before Nadir and Leila can leave, the treacherous Nourabad demands that Leila, who has broken her vow, reveal her face, as she has lost her sacred status as priestess. Nourabad rips the veil from Leila’s face, and Zurga recognizes her as the beautiful woman from the temple. Enraged, Zurga realizes Nadir has betrayed him, and he is consumed by a desire for revenge. Leila and Nadir face a terrible death, as the gods demand a blood sacrifice. Everyone, in desperation, prays to Brahma. Zurga is left alone, tormented by guilt, realizing that blind fury has clouded his judgment and led him to condemn the two people he cares about most to a cruel fate. At that moment, Leila is brought to him, asking to speak with him privately. She pleads with Zurga to save Nadir, offering to take his place, as she believes only she is to blame. Certain that Zurga will show mercy, Leila's pleas, however, only inflame his jealousy. In a fit of rage, he shouts that he loves her as passionately as Nadir does.
Leila curses Zurga for his cruelty, claiming that his crime lies not in her breaking the vow, but in the fact that she chose someone else. In despair, Leila challenges him, saying that not even death can stand in the way of her love for Nadir. Nourabad appears to lead Leila to the sacrificial fire. Leila removes her pearl necklace and hands it to the priest, asking him to give it to her mother. Leila is taken away for execution. Recognizing his gift, Zurga snatches the necklace from Nourabad's hands. In a state of confusion, he realizes that Leila is the girl who once saved his life.
Dawn breaks. The pearl divers prepare to carry out the ritual in Brahma's name. Nourabad welcomes the sunrise and the moment of judgment for the guilty. However, the ritual is interrupted by Zurga, who announces that a fire has broken out in the village. He urges the people to leave the prisoners and save their children from the flames. The pearl divers flee in panic. Zurga frees Nadir and Leila, confessing that he started the fire himself. He urges them to escape, as the thought of their happiness fills his soul with light. Zurga, however, is prepared to stay behind and face the wrath of the tribe.
The divers return, shouting that Zurga is a traitor and dragging him to the fire. Nadir and Leila realize they cannot abandon Zurga, knowing they cannot be happy at the cost of their friend's life. Together, Zurga, Leila, and Nadir walk into the sacrificial fire... Their love is eternal, unbreakable, freed from all earthly passions.
Act 1
On the seashore, pearl divers perform a ritual dance as they select a new leader. The chosen one must be a respected, strong young warrior, and they select Zurga. Nadir appears, and we learn that he and Zurga were childhood friends. However, during a journey to the temple of Kandy, they both fell in love with a mysterious woman. To avoid becoming mortal enemies, the friends parted ways and vowed never to seek out the beautiful stranger (Leila). Now, reunited after many months, neither knows if they are still friends or enemies. Nadir returns, believing he has overcome his passion. Though neither can forget meeting Leila at the temple, they once again renounce their love in the name of friendship.
A boat approaches, carrying Leila, her face hidden by a long veil. According to ancient tradition, the divers bring a beautiful woman from distant lands each year, believing that her singing will protect them from evil spirits during pearl harvesting. Zurga explains that Leila’s face must remain a mystery and her fate is to renounce love. Should she give in to passion, she will face death; but if she remains true to her vow, she will become their goddess. As Leila swears the oath, she recognizes Nadir in the crowd and realizes he is her long-lost lover. Zurga, noticing her sudden reaction, asks why her hands are trembling and her heart racing. If she is afraid, he says, she can still leave. Leila swears to fulfill her vow. Priest Nourabad leads Leila to the sanctuary where she will sing. The pearl diving begins… Nadir soon realizes that the priestess is the same beautiful stranger from the temple. His passion reignites, and he knows he can no longer resist, as he once already broke his vow by secretly following Leila and listening to her sing in the darkness.
Act 2
Night falls. Nourabad leads Leila to a secluded and protected place where she can rest, again reminding her of the importance of her vow. Leila assures him that she understands the meaning of loyalty. Years ago, when she was a child, a man ran into their hut, seeking refuge from his enemies. Despite the threats of bandits, Leila did not reveal his hiding place. In gratitude, the man gave her a pearl necklace, which she has kept all her life. Nourabad leaves, and Leila, left alone, dreams of love. Suddenly, Nadir appears. He confesses that despite their vows, he can no longer run from love. Leila urges him to leave, warning that their happiness is impossible, as she is a priestess and both of their lives are in danger. Nadir insists that his love is stronger than any vows or fears. Leila, in turn, confesses her love. They agree to meet again the following night.
Their private moment is abruptly interrupted by Nourabad, who summons the tribe and denounces them as criminals. There will be no mercy! Nadir tries to protect Leila and takes full responsibility. Zurga, using his authority, attempts to save his friend, ordering that they be released. As leader, his word is final. However, before Nadir and Leila can leave, the treacherous Nourabad demands that Leila, who has broken her vow, reveal her face, as she has lost her sacred status as priestess. Nourabad rips the veil from Leila’s face, and Zurga recognizes her as the beautiful woman from the temple. Enraged, Zurga realizes Nadir has betrayed him, and he is consumed by a desire for revenge. Leila and Nadir face a terrible death, as the gods demand a blood sacrifice. Everyone, in desperation, prays to Brahma. Zurga is left alone, tormented by guilt, realizing that blind fury has clouded his judgment and led him to condemn the two people he cares about most to a cruel fate. At that moment, Leila is brought to him, asking to speak with him privately. She pleads with Zurga to save Nadir, offering to take his place, as she believes only she is to blame. Certain that Zurga will show mercy, Leila's pleas, however, only inflame his jealousy. In a fit of rage, he shouts that he loves her as passionately as Nadir does.
Leila curses Zurga for his cruelty, claiming that his crime lies not in her breaking the vow, but in the fact that she chose someone else. In despair, Leila challenges him, saying that not even death can stand in the way of her love for Nadir. Nourabad appears to lead Leila to the sacrificial fire. Leila removes her pearl necklace and hands it to the priest, asking him to give it to her mother. Leila is taken away for execution. Recognizing his gift, Zurga snatches the necklace from Nourabad's hands. In a state of confusion, he realizes that Leila is the girl who once saved his life.
Dawn breaks. The pearl divers prepare to carry out the ritual in Brahma's name. Nourabad welcomes the sunrise and the moment of judgment for the guilty. However, the ritual is interrupted by Zurga, who announces that a fire has broken out in the village. He urges the people to leave the prisoners and save their children from the flames. The pearl divers flee in panic. Zurga frees Nadir and Leila, confessing that he started the fire himself. He urges them to escape, as the thought of their happiness fills his soul with light. Zurga, however, is prepared to stay behind and face the wrath of the tribe.
The divers return, shouting that Zurga is a traitor and dragging him to the fire. Nadir and Leila realize they cannot abandon Zurga, knowing they cannot be happy at the cost of their friend's life. Together, Zurga, Leila, and Nadir walk into the sacrificial fire... Their love is eternal, unbreakable, freed from all earthly passions.
