Ercole Amante Programme May 2026 - Opéra Bastille
Description
This opera programme for Ercole amante accompanies the production presented at the Opéra de Paris and marks the return of conductor Leonardo García Alarcón, eight years after the success of Les Indes galantes, with a rare and fascinating work: a score by Antonia Bembo, an 18th-century composer with a truly extraordinary life story.
Fleeing an abusive husband, the Venetian composer found refuge at the court of Louis XIV, where she received the King's protection. It was in France that she developed a distinctive musical language, blending Italian and French traditions, before composing this opera in 1707, based on the libretto previously set by her master Francesco Cavalli.
Never before staged in Europe, Ercole amante now enters the repertoire of the Opéra de Paris, revealing a work of striking harmonic richness and remarkable vocal virtuosity.
Director Netia Jones embraces this richly layered baroque universe, populated by gods and supernatural forces, to highlight its modern resonance: that of a powerful yet ageing man unable to accept a woman's refusal.
A rare and compelling opera programme, shedding light on a little-known work where intimate drama, mythology, and a contemporary reflection on power and desire intertwine.
Product information
- Technical specification
Dimensions: 17x24x1cm
Year of publication: 27/05/2026
Additional information(s): The opera Ercole amante has a running time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes and includes one intermission. It is performed in Italian and features French and English surtitles.
