Dialogues des Carmélites

Repertoire

• Francis Poulenc Dialogues des Carmélites

Performers

• Paul Gay Marquis de la Force
• Valentin Thill Chevalier de la Force
• Sally Matthews Blanche de la Force
• Katarina Dalayman Madame de Croissy, Prioress
• Florie Valiquette Soeur Constance
• Karen Cargill Mère Marie
• Golda Schultz Madame Lidoine, New Prioress
• Fiona Kimm Mère Jeanne
• Vincent Ordonneau Father Confessor
• Theodore Platt Jailer
• Robin Ticciati conductor

‘Have you never been afraid of death?’

As the Revolution reaches its bloody height, Blanche de la Force turns her back on the world, searching for peace and purpose in the convent. But life as a Carmelite nun has its own horrors. Faced with an agonising choice, Blanche must let go of her fears and finally find the courage to live – or die.

One of the most devastatingly powerful operas in the repertoire, Dialogues des Carmélites is also one of the most beautiful. Steeped in Debussy, Monteverdi and Verdi, Poulenc’s lyrical score balances cinematic drama and scope, charged with the violence of revolution, with moments of startling simplicity and beauty. The composer may have asked rueful forgiveness for his nuns and their old-fashioned music, but this modern masterpiece needs no apology.

After a triumphant Saul, Barrie Kosky returns to direct Glyndebourne’s first ever production of Carmélites. Robin Ticciati conducts an outstanding ensemble cast.

A new production for Festival 2023. Sung in French with English supertitles.