Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande, Royal Festival Hall

For one night only, the Philharmonia Orchestra presents a concert version of Debussy's Pélleas et Mélisande

A stellar cast has been assembled for this concert performance of Debussy’s only completed opera. An undisputed modern classic, Pélleas et Mélisande is based on a play by the Symbolist poet Maurice Maeterlinck. The composer’s intoxicating musical language creates an enigmatic and alluring work, drawing the listener into a world of magical half-light and mystery.

Based on the twelfth-century legend of Tristan and Iseult, Maurice Maeterlinck’s play is an enigmatic tale of forbidden love. After Prince Goloud stumbles upon the mysterious Mélisande in a forest, he marries her and brings her back to his grandfather’s castle. Mélisande becomes increasingly attracted to the Prince’s younger half-brother, Pélleas, arousing Goloud’s jealousy and triggering a fatal series of events.

Debussy’s music is refined and subtle, reflecting the ambiguity of Maeterlinck’s text. His rich harmonies and shimmering orchestration create a realm of langorous sensuality which is particularly fitting for this elusive tale of desire and eroticism. Avoiding arias and virtuosic display in the vocal parts, Debussy opted instead for a continuous melodic flow which only heightens this dream-like state.

The impressive cast includes the rich tones and infallible technique of baritone Stéphane Degout as Pélleas and the authoritative, superlative Dame Felicity Palmer as Goloud’s grandmother Geneviève. Esa-Pekka Salonen’s partnership with the Philharmonia has attracted much critical admiration; his ability to lend clarity to intricate textures makes him an ideal choice for Debussy’s multi-faceted orchestration. Appearing at the Royal Festival Hall for only one night, don’t miss out on this chance to see this landmark in 20th-century opera.