Details

Set in India during the Raj this is the story of forbidden love, patriotism and self sacrifice. Sung in English. This jewel of an opera is best known for the famous 'Flower Duet', which has become one of the most familiar numbers any composer, in any genre, has ever written, even used by our national airline on TV ads as the peaceful accompaniment to a jetliner floating through wispy clouds! As so often with operas that become famous for a tune however, Lakm? contains many other hidden musical gems including the stratospheric and challenging 'Bell Song'. Like other French operas of the period, it captures the ambience of the Orient seen through Western eyes and, topically for today, tells of religious tensions and conflict leading to personal sacrifice, heartbreak and death.

Cast/Performers

Madalina Barbu (Lakme - some dates), Hannah Sawle (Lakme - some dates), Katarzyna Balejko (Mallika), Luke Sinclair (Gerald - some dates), Daniel Joy (Gerald - some dates), Hakan Vramsmo (Nilakantha), Mark Saberton (Frederic), Georgina Stalbow (Ellen), Jessica Robinson (Rose), Rhonda Browne (Mistress Bentson), Bo Wang (Hadji)

Creatives/Company

Music: Leo Delibes
Lyrics(s): Edmond Gondinet, Philippe Gille
Company: Swansea City Opera
Director: Brendan Wheatley
Musical Director: John Beswick
Design: Brendan Wheatley
Costume: Gabriella Ingram