Medee

Composer: Cherubini, Luigi

Librettist/Text Author: Hoffman, Francois-Benoit

Conductor: Rousset, Christophe

Ensemble: Talens Lyriques, Les

Chorus: Brussels La Monnaie - De Munt Opera Chorus

Chorus Master: Betteridge, Stephen

Creon: Le Texier, Vincent

Dirce: Kerkhove, Inge van de

First Servant: Arquez, Gaelle

Jason: Streit, Kurt

Kid: Burger, Alex

Kid: Malotaux, Louis

Medee: Michael, Nadja

Neris: Stotjin, Christianne

Second Servant: Inizan, Anne-Fleur

Set Designer: Szczesniak, Malgorzata

Costume Designer: Szczesniak, Malgorzata

Lighting Designer: Ross, Felice

Choreographer: Magal, Saar

Stage Director: Warlikowski, Krzysztof

Television Director: Metge, Stephane

---

Date of Production: 9-2011

Venue: La Monnaie - De Munt, Brussels

Playing Time: 02:23:13

Catalogue Number: BAC076

UPC: 3760115300767

---

Eclipsed in popularity for decades by its Italian translation, the original French libretto to Cherubini's masterpiece has recently found renewed favor with opera companies around the world. An eclectic vision of Medee, an opera comique in three acts with both spoken dialogue and arias, is presented here by the visionary stage director Krzysztof Warlikowski. Atop a narrative framework set in Ancient Greece and inspired by the famous tragedy of Euripedes, 1960s-era videos, music, and costumes flesh out a set of strikingly contemporary characters on the Brussels stage.

The impeccable interpretation of the score by Les Talens Lyriques, under the baton of Christophe Rousset, nonetheless keeps us firmly ensconced in the beguiling musical ambiance envisioned by Cherubini. The expressive Nadja Michael shines in the title role, as does Kurt Streit playing Jason, newly back from his quest for the golden fleece. The Greek hero, who spurned Medea's advances during his return trip home, falls in love with Dirce, daughter of King Creon. Their wedding preparations are going well and the royal subjects are rejoicing-but nobody is prepared for the return of the cruel Medea, who has vowed to exact vengeance on her erstwhile lover and all those he holds dear.