Singer

The tragic opera in three acts by Francis Poulenc, premiered in 1957 at La Scala in Milan, is one of the most important works of musical theater of the 20th century. Based on the true story of the Carmelites of Compiègne, "Dialogues des Carmélites" tells of social abysses and the importance of the basic values ​​of democratic coexistence - and culminates in a finale that is musically one of the most emotional that opera has to offer.

Dialogues des Carmélites

Staatstheater Braunschweig

The heir of a fictional kingdom suffers from overwhelming sadness; but when Fata Morgana, a witch, inadvertently trips and falls, he suddenly doubles up with laughter. The offended witch curses the prince, forcing him to embark on a quest for happiness in the form of three oranges. His epic journey is replete with transformed princesses and wild card games, with an angry cook and monstrous rat for good measure. Drawing inspiration from a whimsical commedia dell’arte piece by Carlo Gozzi, the composer wrote a sarcastic and poetic libretto. Prokofiev’s lively style is undeniably catchy, placing the orchestra at the centre as a legitimate character. His musical landscape is eclectic, unpredictable, sweeping everything up in frenzy. This lively burlesque, satirical, and fantasy piece is directed by Laurent Pelly, and led by the sharp hand of internationally renowned conductor Dmitry Matvienko.

The Love for Three Oranges

Opéra National de Lyon

Deeply moved by Oscar Wilde’s play, Richard Strauss changed the course of music history with his intense, frantic eponymous opera. The set is King Herod’s Palace; young Salome is infatuated and rejected by Prophet Jochanaan, and, desperate to kiss him at all costs, subsequently asks for his severed head. The expressionist libretto drawn from this mysterious plot is both sensuous and dramatic. As an object – and mostly a subject – of desire, Salome’s magnetic quality is gradually unveiled. The piece, written at the turn of the 20th century, reads like a discovery of the subconscious mind or an exploration of urges. The hypnotic score is replete with unique colours and sounds; Strauss pushed the very limits of music in his time, at the risk of breaking the norms. The lead must be sung by a mesmerising performer, both in terms of voice and presence.

Mezzo-soprano

Barbara Skora

Events

Upcoming events

4 - 20 Oct, 2026

The Love for Three Oranges · Opéra National De Lyon

Mar 19 - Apr 4, 2027

Salome · Opéra National De Lyon

Mar 19 - Apr 4, 2027

Salome · Opéra National De Lyon

Past events

7 - 17 Jan, 2025

Dialogues des Carmélites · Staatstheater Braunschweig

Future and recently performed repertoire

Sister Mathilde in Dialogues of the Carmelites by Poulenc

Staatstheater Braunschweig

The Page in Salome by Strauss

Opéra National De Lyon

Linetta in The Love for Three Oranges by Prokofiev

Opéra National De Lyon

About

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