Berlioz Series 2018 - Versailles - Versailles

Programme:
Le Corsaire Overture
La Mort de Cleopatre
Les Troyens: Chasse Royale
Les Troyens: Didon’s monologues
Symphonie Fantastique

The 2018 Berlioz series will see a more varied exploration than ever: from the Byron-inspired frolic in the Abruzzi mountains in Harold en Italie, to the swashbuckling Corsaire overture, and dazzling evocations of two ancient exotic queens: Dido (in an excerpt from Les Troyens) and Cleopatra in the eponymous cantata. The Symphonie Fantastique completes the programme in selected performances, and part of the tour will also see performances of Lélio, a rarely-performed dramatic work for narrator, soloists, chorus and orchestra, which – like the Symphonie Fantastique – documents Berlioz’s unhappy love affairs.

This exciting mix of essential Berlioz masterpieces will be showcased in a variety of different programmes at prestigious venues in both Europe and the US, including concert halls in New York, Amsterdam, Paris and Versailles. A world-class roster of acclaimed soloists will join the orchestra for these much-anticipated performances including French mezzo-soprano Lucile Richardot (La mort de Cléopâtre, excerpts from Les Troyens), Berlioz specialist Michael Spyres (Lélio) and celebrated violist Antoine Tamestit (Harold en Italie).