‘‘Teacher of the famous M. H. Purcell’’ – thus reads the epitaph engraved on the tomb of John Blow in Westminster Abbey. Even in death, his name is associated with that of his illustrious pupil, Henry Purcell.

Considered the first opera ever created in England, Venus and Adonis set the foundations for the genre. The work is brilliant in its concision, its melodic beauty and the range of sentiments that it explores, from the funny (with the irresistible Little Cupids) to the tragic (the death of Adonis before a weeping Venus). In a preface to this condensed lyric refinement, the same composer’s magnificent Ode to Saint-Cecilia from 1684 will open the events.

‘‘To the light of candles, facing the public, the music will be celebrated in words, gestures and dance – as an ode to universal harmony and to the dreams of the Renaissance’’, explains the young stage director Louise Moaty, who was the long-time collaborative partner of Benjamin Lazar.

This new production also benefits from the excellent Maîtrise de Caen as well as the Musiciens du Paradis, created by the singer Alain Buet and conducted on this occasion by Bertrand Cuiller. Together, their ambition is to exalt the admirable balance between emotion and humour that characterises Venus and Adonis.

Opera in one prologue and three acts by John Blow (1649-1708)
Libretto inspired by Métamorphoses by Ovide.
Premiered in 1683 at King Charles II Court.
Preceded by Begin the Song, Ode to Saint Cecilia (1684), for soloists, choir and orchestra.

Conductor Bertrand Cuiller
Director Louise Moaty
Choreography Françoise Denieau
Scenography Adeline Caron
Costumes Alain Blanchot
Lights Christophe Naillet
Make-up Mathilde Benmoussa

With

Marc Mauillon Adonis
Céline Scheen Venus

Children-soloist of Maîtrise de Caen Cupidon
Nathalie Adam, Marc Barret, Romana Konradova, Robert Le Nuz, Andrea Miltnerova, Gilles Poirier dancers
Les Musiciens du Paradis choir and orchestra
Alain Buet - La Maîtrise de Caen
Olivier Opdebeeck artistic director

SA 20 OCTOBer at 5.30 pm
pre-PERFORMANCE presentation
Presentation of the libretto by Louise Moaty.
Free admission without reservation, for ticket holders for the evening performance.

MO 22 OCTOBer at  9.30 pm
an encounter
with the artists following the performance. Free admission

WE 24 OCTOBER 6PM
Wednesday Concert
With Marc Mauillon barytone, Guillaume Coppola piano
Poulenc ’s melodies on poems by Eluard.