OPERA - PHAETON

March 27-31, 2020

OPERA NICE COTE D'AZUR

By the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra - Nice Opera Choir - With the collaboration of the musicians of the ensemble "Les paladins" and artists of the Human Company.

Tragedy in music in five acts with prologue - libretto by Philippe Quinault - Premiere at the Royal Palace of Versailles on January 6, 1683 - Sung and surtitled in French.

- New production

In France, the Opera has always had a dealing with power. Its brilliance reflects royal power, and it is no coincidence that the "French-style" Lyric Tragedy was born in the time of Louis XIV. But someone has overshadowed the Sun King: Superintendent Fouquet. He gave the king a lavish feast in his castle of Vaux. His meteoric rise has made the king jealous of him, who has the financier too sure of his success imprisoned.

Twenty years later, Lully sets to music the legend of Phaeton, who wanted to drive his father Helios' chariot, the Sun, burned the universe and was struck by Jupiter. As a courtier as savvy as he was a good musician, Lully insisted on making Phaeton an ambitious and not clumsy one.

The Sun King attended all the performances: revenge is a dish that can be eaten cold... The Lyric Tragedy favoured the meaning of sung lyrics with pure vocal virtuosity, alternated singing, choirs and danced entertainment, and played sophisticated machinery. It was a marvel of balance between the arts, between affects and passions. For Phaeton is also a story of love and love of power. The Lyric Tragedy lasted for two centuries, until the French Revolution and the fall of the monarchy.

Friday - Tuesday 8pm, Sunday 3pm

CALL FAST TO BOOK YOUR SEATS!