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Experience the profound spiritual and emotional journey of Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues des carmélites at the historic Teatro La Fenice in Venice from June 20 to 28, 2025.
Dialogues des carmélites premiered on January 26, 1957, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, making it one of the most significant operas of the 20th century. The opera is based on the play by Georges Bernanos, which in turn was inspired by the novella *Die letzte am Schafott* (The Last on the Scaffold) by Gertrud von Le Fort.
The opera’s score reflects Poulenc’s unique compositional style, which blends elements of modernism with deep spiritual expression. The music ranges from stark, dissonant passages that reflect the nuns’ fear and uncertainty to moments of transcendent beauty that convey their faith and serenity in the face of death. One of the opera’s most famous scenes is the final tableau, where the nuns walk to the guillotine, each singing the *Salve Regina* as they meet their fate. This scene is often cited as one of the most powerful moments in all of opera, capturing the horror and nobility of martyrdom in equal measure.
The combination of Poulenc’s poignant music, a gripping narrative, and the timeless elegance of Venice will make for an unforgettable evening. Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual journey of the Carmelites and discover why La Fenice continues to be one of the world’s most beloved opera houses.
Teatro La Fenice
Teatro La Fenice, with its rich history and stunning architecture, provides the ideal setting for this deeply resonant opera. As one of the most renowned opera houses in the world, La Fenice has long been a symbol of Venice’s vibrant cultural life. The theater’s name, meaning “The Phoenix,” reflects its remarkable history of resilience, having risen from the ashes after devastating fires to continue as a beacon of artistic excellence. Today, La Fenice stands as a testament to Venice’s enduring love for the arts, offering audiences the opportunity to experience world-class performances in an environment of unparalleled beauty.
Story of Dialogues des carmélites by Francis Poulenc
Dialogues des carmélites is a powerful and haunting opera that delves into themes of faith, fear, and martyrdom against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The story, based on real historical events, follows the harrowing experiences of the Carmelite nuns of Compiègne, who face persecution and ultimately choose to embrace martyrdom rather than renounce their beliefs. Poulenc’s composition is both modern and deeply moving, with a score that blends austerity and lyricism, capturing the intense emotional and spiritual struggles of the characters.
The story recounts the martyrdom of 16 Carmelite nuns during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, an event that has come to symbolize the conflict between faith and political extremism. Francis Poulenc , a devout Catholic, was deeply moved by the story and composed the opera with a profound sense of reverence and emotional intensity.
Cast and Creative Team of Dialogues des carmélites
The production of Dialogues des carmélites at La Fenice will be directed by the acclaimed Emma Dante, known for her evocative and intense stagecraft. The La Fenice Orchestra and Choir, under the expert baton of Frédéric Chaslin, will bring Poulenc’s complex and beautiful score to life, while the evocative sets by Carmine Maringola and costumes by Vanessa Sannino will transport audiences to the tumultuous era of the French Revolution.
With a stellar cast featuring Julie Cherrier-Hoffmann as the tormented Blanche de La Force and Anna Caterina Antonacci as the ailing Madame de Croissy, this production promises to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.
The Artists
Teatro la Fenice Production
Opera in three acts
Libretto by by Francis Poulenc after the work of Georges Bernanos
Teatro la Fenice Production with Teatro dell’Opera di Roma
Teatro la Fenice Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor • Frédéric Chaslin
Staging • Emma Dante
Sets • Carmine Maringola
Costumes • Vanessa Sannino
Lights • Cristian Zucaro
Chorus Master • Alfonso Caiani
CAST
Marquis de La Force • Armando Noguera
Blanche de La Force • Julie Cherrier-Hoffmann
Chevalier de La Force • Juan Francisco Gatell
Madame de Croissy • Anna Caterina Antonacci
Madame Lidoine • Vanessa Goikoetxea
Mère Marie de L’incarnation • Deniz Uzun
Soeur Constance de Saint-Denis • Veronica Marini
Mère Jeanne de l’Enfant-Jésus • Valeria Girardello
Soeur Mathilde • Loriana Castellano
L’Aumônier du Carmel • Jean-François Novelli
Officier • Gianfranco Montresor
I Commissaire • Marcello Nardis
Le geolier/ II Commissaire/ Thierry/ Javelinot • Francesco Paolo Vultaggio
Booking Process
Music trip to Venice for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Dialogues des carmélites”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro la Fenice on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
- Select a Date
- Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
- When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
- Description of the Essential and Superior Package
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Performance Dates Dialogues des carmélites
2025-06-20 ... 2025-06-28
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Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season
At the Teatro La Fenice, Venice
