Rameau's Pygmalion
AT A GLANCE:
WHO: The New Orleans Opera Chorus and Marigny Opera Ballet Company.
WHEN: November 8, 9, 10, 11, 2018
WHERE: Le Petit Théâtre Du Vieux Carré l 616 St Peter St
New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) presents a French Baroque Opera in celebration of the Tricentennial, November 9-11th at Le Petit Theatre. The production will feature artwork from the New Orleans Museum of Art and performances by Paul Groves, Sarah Jane McMahon, Rachel Looney. Haley Whitney, The New Orleans Opera Chorus and Marigny Opera Ballet Company. The court of Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” was known for its richness and splendor that extended to the arts and architecture, as well. Jean-Philippe Rameau, one of the greatest of the French Baroque composers of opera turned to the Greek mythological subject of the renowned sculptor, Pygmalion, as told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. In Rameau's and Ballot de Sauvot’s version, the sculptor Pygmalion creates a beautiful statue to which he declares his love. His girlfriend, Céphise, begs for attention, but Pygmalion spurns her and entreats the goddess Venus to bring his statue to life. Magically the statue enlivens, sings, and dances. Venus arrives and praises Pygmalion for his artistry and faith in his powers, and helpfully finds another lover for Céphise. The second half this French Baroque evening will feature compositions complemented by paintings from the New Orleans Museum of Art’s exhibition of the Duke of Orleans celebrated art collection: Tickets start at $50 and are available at www.neworleansopera.org or by calling the box office at 504-529-3000. Patrons are invited to join NOOA one hour prior to each performance for “Nuts & Bolts,” an informative lecture about the evening’s performance.
