Name: Saint François d'Assise
Start: 2024-04-11T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-04-18T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Grand Théâtre

Organization

Direction d'orchestre

Jonathan Nott

Mise en scène

Adel Abdessemed

Décors

Costumes

Video

Lumières

Jean Kalman

Dramaturgie

Christian Longchamp

Direction de choeur

Mark Biggins

Chanteur

Baryton-basse

Robin Adams

Saint-François

Soprano

Claire de Sévigné

Ange

Ténor

Aleš Briscein

Lépreux

Kartal Karagedik

Frére Léon

Jason Bridges

Frére Massée

Omar Mancini

Elie

Baryton

William Meinert

Frére Bernard

Joe Bertili

Frére Sylvestre

Anas Séguin

Frére Rufin

Others

Choeur du Grand Théâtre de Genève

Orchestra

Orchestre de la Suisse Romande

Grand Théâtre de Genève

Le Motet of Geneva

Simon Trottet

Assistant Conductor

Romain Dumas

français

Saint François d'Assise

Genève

Suisse

Grand-Théâtre

Saint François d'Assise Messiaen

Public

anglais

Valide

Grand Théâtre

Francis of Assisi, a figure known and loved throughout the world. Believers and unbelievers admire him perhaps just as much as Roman Catholics. His hopeful, sunny disposition, his tender love for creation and for humanity, his spirit rooted in the Gospel, the audacity of his vocation and the tenacity of his struggle against the stifling norms of his time are all part of the mythical image we have of Saint Francis of Assisi today.Olivier Messiaen’s only opera Saint François d’Assise, which premiered in Paris in 1983, recounts the life of this great seeker of God’s truth and founder of the Franciscan Order. The three-act structure of the work mirrors the Christian Trinity, and its eight tableaux are the numerical symbol of spiritual renewal and the beginning of a new time. Messiaen considered it the apex of his work. The opera resonates deeply and singularly with all the characteristics of the believer, composer and committed Roman Catholic that was Messiaen. The systematic use of leitmotif, the composer’s synaesthetic conception of modal and tonal creation, the rhythmic complexity he gleaned from his passionate love of birdsong and the grandeur of his Late French Romantic dramatic gesture: it all finds its place and refuge in the greater glory of God, being far more than the mere expression of sophisticated musical artistry. Moreover, the work is of extraordinary dimensions: lasting over four hours, with not just dozens but almost hundreds of performers among the instrumentalists of the orchestra, chorus and soloists.  

The staging of Saint François d’Assise, in all its awe-inspiring ambitions and proportions, will be world-famous contemporary visual artist, Adel Abdessemed’s first foray into the world of stage direction. His work is comprised of sculptures and installations of gigantic dimensions, film, paintings and drawings. The work of this artist is rooted in the turmoil of our planet; it is inspired by terror, migration, violence, suffering, death and the loss of civility. Adel Abdessemed’s work rips up polarities; between peace and adoration, hope and damnation, hell and heaven. Hell is found in every particle of every cell of human beings in society and Heaven is the only antidote against the barbarity of our times.  

This French Swiss premiere will be conducted by Jonathan Nott. From 1995 to 2000 he was at the head of the famous Ensemble Intercontemporain, and his close relationship with the world of 20th century French music makes him the ideal conductor to lead his Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the forces of the Grand Théâtre de Genève Opera Chorus and the ensemble of soloists in Messiaen’s magical creation. In the lead role, English baritone Robin Adams, noted for his commitment to the contemporary repertoire, will make his debut in the role.

English

Crédits de représentation (Distribution et équipe de production )

Distribution

Équipage

Ensemble