Saint Francois d'Assise

Composer: Messiaen, Olivier

Librettist/Text Author: Messiaen, Olivier

Conductor: Metzmacher, Ingo

Orchestra: Hague Philharmonic Orchestra

Chorus: Netherlands Opera Chorus

Chorus Master: Wright, Martin

Frere Bernard: Arapian, Armand

Frere Elie: Kaasch, Donald

Frere Leon: Neven, Henk

Frere Massee: Randle, Thomas

Frere Rufin: Morsch, Andre

Frere Sylvestre: Baljet, Jan-Willem

Saint Francois: Gilfry, Rodney

The Angel: Tilling, Camilla

The Leper: Delamboye, Hubert

Set Designer: Kalman, Jean

Costume Designer: Figus, Angelo

Lighting Designer: Kalman, Jean

Stage Director: Audi, Pierre

Television Director: Vermeiren, Misjel

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Date of Production: 16-06-2008

Venue: Het Muziektheater, Amsterdam

Playing Time: 04:30:53

Catalogue Number: OA1007D

UPC: 809478010074

Synopsis

Saint Francois d'Assise

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Messiaen's breathtakingly intense opera on the life of St. Francis of Assisi stars Rod Gilfry as the charismatic visionary, beguiled by the glory of creation, yet fearful of both its imperfections and its transience. Pierre Audi's thoroughly engaging production for The Netherlands Opera brings out the naive imagery, the grandeur, and above all the vast tenderness of the resplendent score, revealed as a grandiose ritual with the meaning and purpose of life as its central theme. But the real drama of the work takes place in the orchestra. Elevated to stupendous heights by the sublimely inspired Ingo Metzmacher, The Hague Philharmonic and the Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera combine forces with a brilliant cast to produce the finest possible musical pilgrimage.

Bonus features:

- Illustrated Synopsis.

- Interviews: The Children

- Interviews: The Message

- Interviews: "A Chamber Piece … Really"