Les Troyens

Cassandra and Dido, the Trojan seeress and the Carthaginian queen, are at the centre of this fascinating, monumental and polyphonic Grand Opéra by French composer Hector Berlioz, which can be experienced for the first time at Opera Graz. Tatjana Gürbaca, who began her career at our opera house and as a finalist for the Ring Award Graz, is one of the most renowned opera directors to take on the ‘French Ring’.

Shakespeare and Virgil inspired Berlioz to create a work that is immoderate in every respect. Troy and Carthage, the two contrasting settings of his two-part Grand Opéra, are linked by the author and composer through the figure of the Trojan refugee and future progenitor of the Romans, Aeneas.
In the first part, the seeress Cassandra foresees the downfall of Troy and warns in vain of the dangers of the wooden horse. When she is forced to watch as the Greeks destroy Troy, she takes her own life. A small troop led by Aeneas manages to escape the attackers, however. Commanded by the spirit of the hero Hector, Aeneas and his men set off for Italy to found eternal Rome.

In the second part, the fugitives are stranded in Carthage and support Queen Dido in her battle against Iarbas, king of the Gaetulians. Berlioz creates the panorama of a prosperous, seemingly utopian state. But when Aeneas and Dido fall in love, disaster takes its course. Aeneas leaves Carthage to carry out his mission while Dido commits suicide in despair.
It was not until a hundred years after the death of its creator that The Trojans was performed in its entirety for the first time. This exceptional monumental work captivates with its innovative and contrasting sound, making the orchestra the ‘couleur dramatique’, the carrier of the action. Lyrical arias and opulent choruses complement the dramatic orchestral movements, creating epic worlds of sound that is a fascinating mixture of passion, drama and historical narrative.

Age recommendation: 14+

• Trailer: Les Troyens

• Shorts: Les Troyens