The 21st edition of the Lyrical Evenings of Sanxay is launched. This year, Rossini’s work The Barber of Seville caught the attention of the artistic team for four performances, on August 7, 9, 11 and 16. With a more relaxed and accessible approach to opera.
Four performances to transport the public to the heart of a Seville of the 18e century. This is the objective of the artistic team of Lyrical evenings of Sanxay. “This year, we have 120 people on stage”, underlines Christophe Blugeon, artistic director of the Lyric evenings. This opera, in preparation since 2018, is very special in his eyes. “It’s a work that I deeply love. It has this very popular aspect, which corresponds to the image that we want to give to our event.” Indeed, areas of Rossini’s work are particularly popular in and well known to the general public. However, the choice to present this opera in the ancient theater of Sanxay was not easy. “The place is very special, admits Christophe Blugeon. We expect a grandiose spectacle for such a scene.”
With only 58 musicians in the pit, the orchestra is particularly small. A decision that must be taken, especially following the great performance of Carmen, in 2021. However, thanks to his experience of the Magic Flute, in 2017, whose scenographic problem was similar, the artistic director no longer has any hesitations . “Finally I realized that the more modest works worked with people, he concedes. The goal, following all, is to educate a new audience.” Spectators who have, for themost of them have never had the opportunity to attend an opera. For this revisit of Rossini’s work, the artistic direction therefore wished to highlight the humor and personality of the artists. “We have the opportunity to express ourselves, confirm with singer Andreea Soare. Leaving room for improvisation is not easy, but at least we have fun.” A few jokes slipped on stage, more parodic behavior… the actors live their characters and try to convey their enthusiasm to the public.
This desire to make opera more accessible is reflected in particular in the choices made by the artistic team. In the musical direction in particular, with Marc Leroy-Calatayud. A teacher, the conductor produces explanatory videos of the greatest opera masterpieces, using toys and video extracts. A desire to democratize opera shared by all professionals of the opera festival. “We try to be as close as possible to our audience, confirms violinist Laurence Bailly Le Calvé. There are those who know opera, others don’t, we want to share our passion with everyone.”
After weeks of intensive rehearsals, the artists are eager to unveil their show. “We already have 1,800 reservations over the next few days”, boasts Christophe Blugeon. With a capacity of approximately 2,400 seats, the ancient theater is therefore far from full for all the performances and the ticket office is accessible until the last moment. “For me, it’s the Rossinian madness accessible to all. I hope the public will be sensitive to it”he concludes.
Since the general rehearsal has passed, the artists are now preparing for the next three dates: August 9, 11 and 16. The completion of a long-standing project, with a work performed for the first time on the boards of Sanxay, since the creation of the third manifestation of French lyrical art.
