La Perichole by Offenbach, Alates (2022/2022), Juhatatud Valérie Lesort,, Dirigent Julien Leroy, Opéra-Comique, Paris, France

The romantic century is fascinated by courtesans. Offenbach borrows one from Mérimée who himself drew his inspiration from Peruvian history. The political onslaught turns into mockery, while the title role remarkably depicts a woman and the inalienable freedom of arts. Although this bittersweet comedy first disappointed comic opera lovers back in 1868, Hortense Schneider’s 1874 version received critical acclaim. Stéphanie d’Oustrace will embody Valérie Lesort’s tipsy Perichole in this colourful and whimsical stage direction. She will be surrounded with cheerful sidekicks, all under Julien Leroy’s warm and precise musical direction.