Saint François d'Assise

Francis of Assisi, a figure known and loved throughout the world. Believers and unbelievers admire him perhaps just as much as Roman Catholics. His hopeful, sunny disposition, his tender love for creation and for humanity, his spirit rooted in the Gospel, the audacity of his vocation and the tenacity of his struggle against the stifling norms of his time are all part of the mythical image we have of Saint Francis of Assisi today.Olivier Messiaen’s only opera Saint François d’Assise, which premiered in Paris in 1983, recounts the life of this great seeker of God’s truth and founder of the Franciscan Order. The three-act structure of the work mirrors the Christian Trinity, and its eight tableaux are the numerical symbol of spiritual renewal and the beginning of a new time. Messiaen considered it the apex of his work. The opera resonates deeply and singularly with all the characteristics of the believer, composer and committed Roman Catholic that was Messiaen. The systematic use of leitmotif, the composer’s synaesthetic conception of modal and tonal creation, the rhythmic complexity he gleaned from his passionate love of birdsong and the grandeur of his Late French Romantic dramatic gesture: it all finds its place and refuge in the greater glory of God, being far more than the mere expression of sophisticated musical artistry. Moreover, the work is of extraordinary dimensions: lasting over four hours, with not just dozens but almost hundreds of performers among the instrumentalists of the orchestra, chorus and soloists.  

The staging of Saint François d’Assise, in all its awe-inspiring ambitions and proportions, will be world-famous contemporary visual artist, Adel Abdessemed’s first foray into the world of stage direction. His work is comprised of sculptures and installations of gigantic dimensions, film, paintings and drawings. The work of this artist is rooted in the turmoil of our planet; it is inspired by terror, migration, violence, suffering, death and the loss of civility. Adel Abdessemed’s work rips up polarities; between peace and adoration, hope and damnation, hell and heaven. Hell is found in every particle of every cell of human beings in society and Heaven is the only antidote against the barbarity of our times.  

This French Swiss premiere will be conducted by Jonathan Nott. From 1995 to 2000 he was at the head of the famous Ensemble Intercontemporain, and his close relationship with the world of 20th century French music makes him the ideal conductor to lead his Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the forces of the Grand Théâtre de Genève Opera Chorus and the ensemble of soloists in Messiaen’s magical creation. In the lead role, English baritone Robin Adams, noted for his commitment to the contemporary repertoire, will make his debut in the role.