The Fairy Queen

In an enchanted forest, reality mingles with dreams, illusion and the supernatural... What better setting than William Christie's Gardens to host such a story?
Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Fairy Queen draws from Shakespeare's comedy the material for a magical and funny fantasy, which more than 300 years after its creation never ceases to amaze. First performed in London in 1692, just three years before Purcell's untimely death at the age of 35, this semi-opera is the work of a young prodigy. It contains some of the most beautiful arias he ever composed - such as the very poignant "O let me weep" or the lively "Thrice happy lovers" - in which his art of counterpoint and his sense of theater are fully displayed.
It is precisely this brilliance, this energy and this youthfulness that this new production intends to display. Conducted by Paul Agnew, alongside choreographer Mourad Merzouki - in his first venture into opera - this Fairy Queen will be an opportunity to discover the new laureates of the Jardin des Voix, the academy for young singers of Les Arts Florissants. These eight soloists, selected worldwide, will perform together for the very first time before leaving on an international tour. They will take turns embodying all the characters in this joyful tale, alongside contemporary dancers from the Käfig company and the Juilliard School of New York.
A total lyrical experience, resolutely young and new, where the art of yesterday meets that of today, to the great pleasure of all senses!

"Fine weather" tickets will be put on sale by our partner, the Département de la Vendée, on the day of this event, as soon as the weather allows us to ensure that it can be held outdoors.

Dancers of the Compagnie Käfig: Samuel Florimond, Anahi Passi, Alary-Youra Ravin, Timothée Zig, Ian Debono*, Joey Gertin* (*student dancers of the Juilliard School)