Théâtre des Champs-Elysées 22 June 2022 - La vestale (concert version) | GoComGo.com

La vestale (concert version)

Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris, France
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7:30 PM
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Important Info
Type: Classical Concert
City: Paris, France
Starts at: 19:30
Sung in: French
Titles in: French,English

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Programme
Gaspare Spontini: La vestale (concert version)
Overview

Spontini was celebrated in his time by the general public and many composers. La Vestale, at the crossroads of styles, is of imperial flamboyance.

Guilty of allowing the sacred fire in the temple of Vesta to be extinguished while she declared her love for General Licinus, Julia is to be executed when divine intervention occurs. If the plot of the libretto relies on simplicity, it favours both the psychological depth of the protagonists and the transparency of political allusions. How can one not assimilate, in this opera dedicated to Josephine, the character of Licinus to Napoleon Bonaparte? More than a work of propaganda, La Vestale is, thanks to Spontini's score, one of the links between the operatic tragedy of the Ancien Régime and the grand opera genre. The work requires the presence on stage of an exceptional soprano: the young Latvian soprano Marina Rebeka takes up the challenge by playing Julia after Caroline Branchu at the premiere in 1807 and Maria Callas in 1954 at La Scala.

COPRODUCTION Palazzetto Bru Zane | Théâtre des Champs-Elysées | Les Talens Lyriques Dans le cadre du 9e Festival Palazzetto Bru Zane Paris

History
Premiere of this production: 15 December 1807, Salle Montansier, Paris

La vestale (The Vestal Virgin) is an opera composed by Gaspare Spontini to a French libretto by Étienne de Jouy. It takes the form of a tragédie lyrique in three acts. It was first performed on 15 December 1807 by the Académie Impériale de Musique (Paris Opera) at the Salle Montansier and is regarded as Spontini's masterpiece. The musical style shows the influence of Gluck and looks forwards to the works of Berlioz, Wagner, and French Grand Opera.

Synopsis

Place: Rome
About 269 BC

Act 1
Returning to Rome after a victorious campaign, Licinius finds his beloved Julia has become a priestess of Vesta. Although Julia attempts to avoid going to Licinius's triumph, she is delegated to present him with a wreath. He tells her that he intends to kidnap and reclaim her.

Act 2
In the temple of Vesta, Julia guards the eternal flame and prays to be freed of temptation. Licinius arrives; during their rapturous reconciliation, the flame expires. Licinius is advised by Cinna to flee. Julia is interrogated by the High Priest but refuses to name Licinius. She is sentenced to death for licentiousness.

Act 3
Despite the pleas of Licinius, Julia is to be buried alive; even when he admits his intrusion to the Temple, Julia claims not to recognise him. A thunderstorm ensues, during which lightning reignites the sacred flame. Recognising this as a sign from the Gods, the High Priest and Vestal Priestess release Julia who is then married to Licinius.

Venue Info

Théâtre des Champs-Elysées - Paris
Location   15 Avenue Montaigne

The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is an entertainment venue situated near Avenue des Champs-Élysées, from which it takes its name. Its eponymous main hall may seat up to 1,905 people.

Commissioned by impresario Gabriel Astruc, the theatre was built from 1911 to 1913 upon the designs of brothers Auguste Perret and Gustave Perret following a scheme by Henry van de Velde, and became the first example of Art Deco architecture in the city. Less than two months after its inauguration, the Théâtre hosted the world premiere of the Ballets Russes' Rite of Spring, which provoked one of the most famous classical music riots.

At present, the theatre shows about three staged opera productions a year, mostly baroque or chamber works more suited to the modest size of its stage and orchestra pit. It also houses an important concert season. It is the home venue of the Orchestre National de France and the Orchestre Lamoureux and serves as a French base for the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra as well.

The Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the Orchestre des Champs-Élysées and Ensemble orchestral de Paris play most of their concerts here too, along with other dance, chamber music, recital, and pop events.

Important Info
Type: Classical Concert
City: Paris, France
Starts at: 19:30
Sung in: French
Titles in: French,English
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