A NEW PRODUCTION OF BIZETS OPERA FOR THE SPRING

Performing The Pearl Fishers for the first time since 1995/96, when Philip Prowse’s 1988 production was revived, Opera North presents Bizet’s opera in a new production in Leeds, followed by a concert tour to Manchester, Hull, Gateshead and Nottingham.

Written some ten years before Carmen, The Pearl Fishers tells the story of two men, Nadir and Zurga, whose vow of friendship founders on their love for the same woman, the priestess Leïla. Bizet’s music brims with lyric beauty, imaginative orchestration, magnificent choruses and gorgeous melodies, nowhere more so than in what is perhaps the best-loved tenor/baritone duet in all opera, ‘Au fond du temple saint’.

Matthew Kofi Waldren conducts a cast including soprano Sophia Theodorides as Leïla, making her Opera North debut. Tenor Nico Darmanin (Alfredo, La traviata) returns to sing Nadir, whilst baritone Quirijn de Lang, whose most recent roles include Fredrik Egerman, A Little Night Music, and Count Almaviva, The Marriage of Figaro, takes the part of Zurga.

The Leeds Grand Theatre staging is directed by Matthew Eberhardt (Trouble in Tahiti, Street Scene), with design by Joanna Parker and Peter Mumford setting the work in an abstracted, dream-like space influenced by a dual metaphor of pearls as both a symbol of global trade and exploitation and of resurfacing precious memories and hidden desires.

The Pearl Fishers director, Matthew Eberhardt, comments:

“Our presentation of The Pearl Fishers uses the act of pearl fishing as a metaphor; just as pearls are pulled up from the seabed, so are the memories of the central characters exposed. Whilst the pearl represents beauty and desire, it also tells the story of obsession and greed. Our otherworldly space will allow our audience to sink deeper into this dark psychological story, allowing Bizet’s score to resonate with today’s audience.”

Following the production at Leeds Grand Theatre which includes aspects of set and costume design, theatrical lighting and video projection, Opera North will tour a concert version of The Pearl Fishers to concert halls across the north of England, including the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Sage Gateshead, Hull City Hall and Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall.

The Pearl Fishers is at Leeds Grand Theatre from 16th May and Concert Tour start from 8 June.