Lakmé
presented by Surrey Opera
by Léo Delibes
Surrey Opera returns to the Minack with an exciting new production of the French composer Delibes' colourful opera Lakmé. Set in India, it tells the story of the struggle between love and the call of duty, when a British Army officer falls for a Hindu Goddess.
Lakmé combines many orientalist aspects that were popular at the time: an exotic location, similar to other French operas of the period such as Bizet's The Pearl Fishers, a fanatical priest and mysterious rituals.
The opera includes the popular Flower Duet sung by Lakmé, the daughter of a Brahmin priest, and her servant Mallika. The name Lakmé is the French version of the Sanskrit Lakshimi, the name of the Hindu Goddess of Wealth. Some years back, the Duet became more widely known because of its use in advertisements etc; in particular a British Airways commercial.
The opera's most famous aria is the Bell Song, sung by Lakmé herself. A favourite 'party piece' among coloratura sopranos.
Lakmé will be performed by a stellar cast, orchestra and chorus. Directed and conducted by Jonathan Butcher, Surrey Opera's Artistic Director, we feel sure it will be an evening to remember, and a production which is ideally suited to the Minack, 'the theatre under the stars!'
About Surrey Opera
Surrey Opera was founded in 1970 by Joyce Hopper MBE, with the intention of performing the great Mozart operas, but with so many success stories it simply developed naturally into a Company staging works from all operatic/musical genres - from Britten to Beethoven, from Wagner to Verdi, with a little G & S etc. sprinkled along the way!
Surrey Opera has an enviable reputation for the diversity of its repertoire, having given three World Première and one UK Première. The latter being performed at the Mianck in 2024.
Approx. 2h 20m (inc. interval)
From: £12.00 - £30.00
Contains stereotyping or negative depictions of people and/or cultures
Minack Theatre
Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU
01736 810181
[email protected]
First visit to the Minack
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There are also example views from seating areas below - although please note there will be audience members in front of you!
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