Southbank Centre: Royal Festival HallBelvedere Road, London, Greater London, SE1 8XX, United Kingdom
Dates/times in London time zone
Performers
| Sir Mark Elder | Conductor | |
| Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment | ||
| Opera Rara Chorus | ||
| Michael Spyres | Tenor | Polyeucte |
| Joyce El-Khoury | Soprano | Pauline |
| David Kempster | Bass | Sévère |
| Brindley Sherratt | Bass | Félix |
| Wynne Evans | Tenor | Néarque |
| Clive Bayley | Bass-baritone | Callisthènes |
A rare performance of Donizetti's spectacular opera, Les Martyrs, led by OAE Principal Artist, Sir Mark Elder.
Donizetti's Les Martyrs was originally written for Italy, but its content, which centres around the religious conflict between the Roman pagans of third century Armenia and the fervour of the early Christians did not find favour with the Naples Censors, so it was heavily altered and premiered in Paris instead. What results is a fascinating mix of Italian and French styles, and a work of spectacular drama.
Tonight the original colours and soundworld of the score are revealed by Sir Mark Elder (a specialist in this repertoire) and the period instruments of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.
Co-promotion with Opera Rara
