Dialogues des Carmélites

Poulenc's music may be an acquired taste, but I happen to like it very much and find it a thrill to sing too. Dialogues Des Carmelites is not just one of his best works but also one of the best operas of the 20th century. And this is just a beautiful and very moving production of it. The production in terms of costumes and sets is quite minimalistic but also is very elegant. The staging is always compelling, the Ave Maria chorus is wonderfully serene and I for one did think the staging for the final scene was very well-done. The video directing is unobtrusive and really flatters and clearly loves Patricia Petibon. Poulenc's music is masterfully crafted, and is done justice by the beautifully blended orchestra and chorus as well as the authoritative conducting. The performances are superb, Ann-Sophie Schmidt's Blanche is deeply moving and Nadine Denize is a haunting Prioress. The Mere Mere of Hedwig Fassbender is appropriately sympathetic but I found Patricia Petibon to be the star, her Constance is very charming and quite photogenic as well. In conclusion, really beautiful, recommended without any moment of hesitation. 10/10 Bethany Cox