In conjunction with the performance of Cavalli’s Ercole amante at the Opéra-Comique, the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles and the National Library of France are holding a study day on the figure of Hercules in 17th century Italian and French opera.

The event is to be held in conjunction with a performance of Francesco Cavalli’s Ercole amante at the Opéra-Comique due out in November 2019. This Italian opera premiered in Paris in 1662 to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIV and to mark the advent of absolute monarchy on stage, following the death of Mazarin in 1661. A panel of specialists (musicologists, art historians, literature & theatre experts) will discuss the figure of Hercules in opera (body image, costumes & props) and as a theatrical symbol of the French King. The National Library of France will host the event in its Richelieu building, with an exhibition of archive documents relating to the study programme (librettos, scores, costume & stage set designs, etc.).

PRODUCTION

Ercole amante

4-12 November 2019
Paris, Théâtre National de l'Opéra-Comique

further details