Les Boréades

We are set to hear one of the most inventive scores of the French Baroque, marking the final stage of Jean-Philippe Rameau’s career. You will notice how the music balances formal elegance with vivid, often startling, instrumental effects. The narrative focuses on royalty asserting their independence against the heavy-handed interference of the gods. As the evening progresses, you should listen for the composer's unique approach to orchestral colour, which provides a dramatic backdrop to the singing. This production is a collaborative effort, integrating new choreography by Liz Roche into the operatic framework. The inclusion of dance was a central requirement of this period, and here it serves to heighten the tension between the mortal characters and the divine forces of the north wind. Because this specific work is rarely performed, the performance offers you a chance to hear how Rameau pushed the boundaries of the genre through his sophisticated harmonic language and imaginative structural choices.

The Royal Ballet and Opera performs this production at their home in London. The company is known for its ability to combine high-level musical performance with sophisticated staging and dance. In this instance, director R. B. Schlather leads the creative vision, supported by the choreography of Liz Roche. The ensemble is recognized for maintaining a wide-ranging repertoire that spans from early music to contemporary commissions, and they frequently collaborate with international creative teams to bring historical works to life for modern audiences. You will see both the resident singers and dancers working together as a single company.

This performance takes place at the Royal Opera House in London. As this is a Baroque opera, you should expect a longer running time typical of the genre, though the specific duration has not been stated. The production is a significant rarity, which may appeal to regular attendees, while the inclusion of new dance sequences makes it a good choice if you enjoy multi-disciplinary theatre. There is no specific dress code for this venue, and audiences generally wear whatever they feel comfortable in. Please note that information regarding the language of performance and surtitles has not been provided.