10.08.2012 0

Arts & Culture: The summer festival promises another year of operatic gold

Les Azuriales 2012

Enchanting and enticing musical enthusiasts from all over Europe, the annual summer opera festival Les Azuriales settles on the Riviera for another year of spell-binding operatic performances. The Anglo French festival, which was founded in 1997, will put on an assortment of operas to be enjoyed by all during the second half of August.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat, home of the Festival

Located in the wonderfully charming gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the entertainment promises to impress. Not only are the surroundings, just metres from the sea, nationally recognised - the villa was registered in 1996 as a historical monument - but so are its performers.

In an intimate yet animated atmosphere, internationally renowned singers will perform a selection of small-scale operatic productions, mainly to piano accompaniment, plus recitals and soloists’ concerts. These performances promise to be a treat for the eyes as well as the ears, as guests can wander the exquisite gardens and even enjoy a meal.

Kicking off the 16th year of this festival, a fully staged and intimate performance of Puccini’s opera Tosca will be held in the magnificent moonlit gardens. The following week will see Mozart’s 1791 Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) take to the stage, which includes both singing and spoken dialogue, with an optional dinner afterwards.

Meanwhile, a masterclass with world-renowned American soprano Michele Crider will be a fantastic opportunity to see our stars of the future at work.

A buffet will follow on the moon-dappled terrace of a waterside Villa in Beaulieu sur Mer, with the chance to meet the leading singer and some young operatic stars.

Finally, the Festival will showcase some of the world’s up and coming singing talents. Ten outstanding young artists, selected from 100, will be a part of Les Azuriales Young Artists Programme. After a week's worth of coaching by prominent opera performers, they will impress audiences in an international singing competition to be held in Nice on 25th August. The young talents will be competing for a trophy and 8,000 euros worth of prizes, as they sing their hearts out for the chance of international acclaim.

Sunday 19th August, Tosca, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat, 8pm

Friday 24th August, Die Zauberflote, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat, 8pm

Wednesday 22nd August, Masterclass with Michele Crider, Villa Kérylos, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, 8pm

Saturday 25 August, International Singing Competition, Le Théatre de la Photographie, Nice, 7pm
 
Contact audreymilheres@gmail.com or call +33 (0)4 93 56 51 41.

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