November 19. 2017 - December 10. 2017
Upcoming Dates
November 19. 2017 - December 10. 2017
New-to-Chicago Production The Pearl Fishers (Les pêcheurs de perles)
For sheer transcendent beauty, Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers has few rivals in the entire repertoire. The opera’s famed duet for tenor and baritone is a soaring melody that has turned countless opera newcomers into ecstatic fans. Bizet (who composed this work 12 years before Carmen) transports us to Ceylon, where two devoted friends find themselves in love with the same woman, an entrancingly beautiful priestess, Leïla. From its leading men and leading lady, The Pearl Fishers demands the ultimate in vocal beauty and elegance to do justice to this sweepingly romantic drama.
- Language: Sung in French with projected English translations
- Running Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes with 1 intermission
- Location: Lyric Opera of Chicago
The Pearl Fishers videos
The Pearl Fishers
by Georges Bizet
EMI recording — Cotrubas, Vanzo, Sarabia, cond. Prêtre.
Musical excerpts provided through a generous arrangement with Warner Classics, Official Education and Promotion Music Provider for Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“Je crois entendre encore”
“Me voilà seule…Comme autrefois”
The Pearl Fishers
by Georges Bizet
Lyric Opera Commentaries are sponsored by the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation in memory of their parents.
© 2017/18 Lyric Opera Commentaries Original sound recordings of musical excerpts used by permission of Warner Music Group. All rights reserved. Recording & Production services provided by Mark Travis.
A project of the Women’s Board
Commentary by Sir Andrew Davis in collaboration with Jack Zimmerman
The Pearl Fishers articles
Matthew and Mariusz: Dynamic Duo
When they're onstage, Matthew Polenzani and Mariusz Kwiecień create magic together.
The Pearl Fishers' Captivating Production, Lush Melodies, and Soaring Voices Win Audiences' & Critics' Praises
Come in from the cold! Enjoy the balmy breezes and brilliant colors of The Pearl Fishers by young Georges Bizet in Lyric's new-to-Chicago presentation starring Marina Rebeka, Matthew Polenzani, and Mariusz Kwiecień as the passionate characters caught in a deadly love triangle.
Synopsis
This story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice 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.
TIME and PLACE: 19th-century Ceylon.
Program book
Go inside this production of The Pearl Fishers with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Meet The Artists
* Lyric Opera debut
** Ryan Opera Center alumnus
Lyric presentation of Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers generously made possible by
With additional support from an Anonymous Donor
Matthew Polenzani's appearance is generously sponsored by Patricia A. Kenney and Gregory J. O'Leary.
Production owned by San Diego Opera.