The Pearl Fishers

Eric Perez, Robert Tuohy, Anne Nguyen
Opera 2025 – 2h15 intermission included
Executive production: Opéra de Massy

A spellbinding opera where love, friendship, and betrayal intertwine against a backdrop of captivating melodies.

Set in Ceylon, this opera composed by Bizet in 1863 tells the story of two friends who fall in love with the same woman. The plot follows Nadir and Zurga, childhood friends who reunite after years apart. Their friendship is put to the test when Leïla, a priestess whom Nadir loves, arrives. Zurga, who was also once in love with her, tries to suppress his feelings, but tensions rise when she is captured by the fishermen. Its famous duet Au fond du temple saint beautifully illustrates the friendship and romantic dilemmas of the protagonists. Although the work was little appreciated when it premiered, it has since become a classic of the operatic repertoire, celebrated for its enchanting melodies and exotic atmosphere — a true testament to Bizet’s genius.

At the initiative of Opéra de Massy, Anne Nguyen and six performers from the par Terre Dance Company —krumpers, poppers and breakdancers, join forces with stage director Eric Perez for the choreography of the opera The Pearl Fishers by Georges Bizet, performed by Orchestre National d’Ile-de-France under the musical direction of Robert Tuohy.