Following a project devoted to music at the King’s table, with works by Lalande, Destouches, Colin de Blamont, Rameau and Francœur, and a recital of sacred music from the lavish events in the Royal Chapel under Louis XVI (a Mass and motet by Giroust), the Arion Orchestre Baroque revives a gem from late 18^th century French comic opera.        

First performed at court in Fontainebleau in 1778, and then in Paris, Grétry’s L’Amant jaloux was an immediate success and became a jewel in the crown of the Opéra Comique. The libretto, a subtle blend of tender outpourings and comic misunderstandings, is elevated by Grétry’s lively and droll music. Along with Richard Cœur de Lion and Zémire et Azor, it was a great success for the composer, and was performed both in Russia and in the Americas. Mozart, who was staying in Paris at the time, inserted a passage from the opera in his Marriage of Figaro – surely a telling sign of its quality!

Directed by Mathieu Lussier, a passionate advocate of late 18^th century French repertoire, the Franco-Canadian cast headed by Hélène Guilmette, Guylaine Girard, Pierre Derhet and Matthieu Lécroart will bring back to life the atmosphere at the Opéra-Comique.