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A must-see cutting-edge work, combining classical, medieval and modern elements, led by renowned conductor Nicole Paiement!

January 25. 28. 30 at 7:30 pm
February 2 at 2 pm

Preview

Hall
Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Seating chart
Venue
Place des Arts
Language: 
English (Subtitles : French & english)
Duration: 
1h35
Intermission: 
0

Summary

George Benjamin’s Written on Skin is a capti­vating, must-see work, created jointly by five of the world’s most prestigious opera companies and hailed by the New York Times as “a triumph”. Our new production, the Canadian premiere of the work, combines classical, medieval, and modern elements, under the baton of renowned conductor Nicole Paiement.

Sets: Olivier Landreville

Costumes: Philippe Dubuc

Lighting: Éric Champoux

PREOPERA TALK : some keys to better appreciate the performance, one hour before curtain time, given by musicologist Pierre Vachon. At the Piano Nobile of Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier at the Place des Arts.

Composer

George Benjamin  >

Librettist

Martin Crimp  >

Stage Director

Alain Gauthier  >

Regarded by critics as a “sure bet” in today’s opera milieu, Alain Gauthier continues to make his mark in North American opera houses.

Synopsis

  • Acte I

    A rich landowner invites an artist to his home, asking him to create a book of illuminations. The work’s images are to immortalize his merciless political power and the quiet enjoyment he derives from domestic order, as embodied by the humility and childish obedience of his wife Agnes. But the creation of the book becomes a catalyst for the wife’s rebellion. After a successful first attempt at seduction, she exploits her new-found intimacy with the illuminator in order to influence the very contents of the book, forcing her husband to see her as she really is—and thereby opening the door to an ultimate and extraordinary act of provocation.