Three collaborating Ohio State music department programs open their two-night run of George Bizet’s opera “Les Pecheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers)” tonight at 8 p.m.
Bizet is best known for his opera “Carmen,” but the opera/music theater program chose to collaborate with the OSU Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir to provide opera fans with this concert version of his lesser known work.
“It’s really one of the most beautiful lyric pieces of the entire French repertory and it’s not often done,” said Karen Peeler, a professor of voice and the show’s producer. “It’s never been done in Columbus before so it’s a nice chance for people, who are opera lovers, to get to hear this rather unique piece.”
Bizet composed “Perles” in four months when he was 25-years-old and premiered Sept. 1863 in Paris. The piece launched his career.
“Perles” is a story of a love triangle between a virgin priestess (Leila), the leader of the pearl fishers (Zurga) and the leader’s childhood friend (Nadir).
The opera’s famous tenor/baritone duet “Au fond du temple saint” tells the story of Zurga and Nadir falling in love with the priestess and how they renounce their love for her to save their friendship.
After Zurga and Nadir renounce their love for Leila, Nadir can not hold back his strong feelings for Leila and tells her his feelings. Leila realizes she loves Nadir and abandons her vows of chastity. Zurga learns Leila returns Nadir’s affection and condemns them to death to change his mind later and help the two lovers escape, while mourning his lost love.
The opera features four student vocalists, none of which speak French, performing in French as English subtitles are presented.
“It’s been a lot of really hard music to learn,” said Susan Musselman, a graduate student in vocal performance who plays Leila. “Learning the French has been difficult.”
Marshall Haddock, the OSU symphony conductor, said this piece is quite difficult and has been a challenge for his orchestra to master in four weeks.
“It’s very melodic, very dramatic – it has all of the stuff people go to operas to hear,” Haddock said.
Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow in the Weigel Auditorium at 1866 College Rd. General admission is $10 and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door. Any questions should be directed to the opera office at 292-5333.
