Released on: 2013-10-30
Les VĂȘpres siciliennes
The French have occupied Sicily, and HĂ©lĂšne is held hostage by Montfort, the French governor, who has had her brother executed. She turns to the partisan Jean Procida and the rebellious patriot Henri in her bid for vengeance. Les VĂȘpres siciliennes is one of Verdiâs lesser-known mature operas, but was vital to his development as a composer. It was created for the Paris OpĂ©ra in 1855, providing Verdi with an opportunity to embrace the elaborate style and traditions of French grand opera. First seen at the Royal Opera House in 2013, this staging of Verdi's rarely-performed opera Les VĂȘpres siciliennes â directed by Stefan Herheim and conducted by The Royal Operaâs Music Director, Verdi specialist Sir Antonio Pappano â went on to win the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Opera Production.
