“Au fond du temple saint” - The Pearl Fishers Duet

"Au fond du temple saint" ("At the back of the holy temple", also known as "The Pearl Fishers Duet") is a duet from Georges Bizet's Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers). 

This opera depicts a story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice that centers around two friends, Nadir and Zurga, who have vowed to never let the love of a woman come between them. However, when a beautiful priestess arrives their vows are put to the test and each man must make his choice. Enjoy lush music and lively dance in Lyric’s production of this captivating romance that tests the bonds of friendship. 

Here, Nadir (Matthew Polenzani) unexpectedly returns to the pearl fishers' community after years of adventures. Once alone with his close friend Zurga (Mariusz Kwiecień), the two recall their last trip together: in Candi, they saw a beautiful woman at the temple of Brahma. They both fell in love with her at first sight, but they swore to forget her for the sake of their friendship. They now swear again to remain friends.

Song title: "Au fond du temple saint" ("At the back of the holy temple")

Opera: Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers)

Composer: Georges Bizet

Year Written: 1863 

Language: French

Performance dates: November 19 – December 10, 2017

Artists: Matthew Polenzani (Nadir), Mariusz Kwiecień (Zurga)