The Beggar’s Opera

Although quoted in all the music history books as the most characteristic example, together with Dido and Aneas of what the English contributed to the realm of opera, The Beggar’s Opera is rarely mounted. In fact, it is the very first time that Les Arts Florissants will perform this unusual work, which some people consider as the ancestor of the musical. More than an opera strictly speaking, it is a "ballad-opera": a form of play intersected by popular songs and learned airs which certain people attributed to Purcell or Handel, compiled by the composer of the overture, Pepusch. This staged performance will be an opportunity to rediscover the savoury satire of John Gay’s libretto at the same time as the talents of the musicians of Les Arts Florissants as arrangers and improvisors, since they have themselves harmonised the score. It will also be an opportunity for William Christie and the stage Director Robert Carsen, to pursue their long collaboration, after the success of their productions such as Alcina, Armide and Les Fêtes vénitiennes. 

Production C.I.C.T.– Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord
Coproduction Les Arts Florissants with the support of CA-CIB ; Angers Nantes Opéra ; Opéra de Rennes ; Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg ; Opéra Royal / Château de Versailles Spectacles ; Grand Théâtre de Genève ; Théâtre de Caen ; Edinburgh International Festival ; Festival di Spoleto ; Centre Lyrique Clermont-Auvergne ; Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège ; Opéra de Reims / La Comédie de Reims CDN ; Teatro Coccia-Novara ; Teatro Verdi-Pisa ; Attiki cultural Society ; Cercle des partenaires des Bouffes du Nord with the generous support of KT Wong Fondation
Set Construction Angers Nantes Opéra

Mr. Peachum, Robert Burt
Mrs. Peachum / Diana Trapes, Beverley Klein
Polly Peachum, Kate Batter
Macheath, Benjamin Purkiss
Lockit, Kraig Thornber
Lucy Lockit, Olivia Brereton
Jenny Diver, Lyndsey Gardiner
Filch / Manuel, Sean Lopeman
Matt, Gavin Wilkinson
Jack, Taite-Elliot Drew
Robin, Wayne Fitzsimmons
Harry, Dominic Owen

Alternately:

Violin 1: Emmanuel Resche-Caserta, Tami Troman, Liv Heym, Théotime Langlois de Swarte
Violin 2:  Liv Heym, Martha Moore, Théotime Langlois de Swarte
Alto: Sophie de Bardonnèche, Simon Heyerick, Martha Moore, Myriam Bulloz
Cello: Elena Andreyev, Marion Martineau, Cyril Poulet, Alix Verzier
Doublebass: Douglas Balliett, Hugo Abraham
Flute and traverso: Anna Besson, Sebastien Marq, Tiam Goudarzi
Hautbois : Neven Lesage, Vincent Blanchard
Percussions: Marie-Ange Petit, Hervé Trovel
Theorbo: Massimo Moscardo, Thomas Dunford, Diego Salamanca

Musical Advisors: Anna Besson and Sébastien Marq

Musical Edition: Pascal Duc (Les Arts Florissants)

The Conseil régional des Pays de la Loire supports the regional tour of The Beggar’s Opera initiated by Angers Nantes Opéra. www.culture.paysdelaloire.fr