For years I’d been hoping that LA Opera would stage Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites. So far it hasn’t been part of their schedule. So for others like me who would love to see this opera, along comes Metropolitan Opera Live offering screenings of their current production live on Saturday. The showing of Dialogues des Carmélites is this Saturday morning at 9 AM (PDT) at Regal Cinemas at LA Live and over thirty other theaters in the greater Southern California area. It is also available around the country by using this link to find a theater near you.
Dialogues des Carmélites is a 20th century opera from French composer Francis Poulenc. The setting is France during the French Revolution. Blanche de la Force (Isabel Leonard), who is impossibly shy and fragile, wants to retreat from all that is going on in the world and chooses a Carmelite monastery. The prioress (Karita Matilla) tells her that a monastery is a place for devotion to God, not escape from the world. Blanche convinces her to let her stay. What happens to Blanche and the other nuns proves not to be the escape she was hoping for.
This production was originally staged in 1977 by John Dexter. David Kneuss directs this revival. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts. When reviewing this production, Anthony Tommasini of the New York Times called it a “great work” and a “classic production.”
Dialogues des Carmélites uses a large orchestra, a big cast and has truly beautiful music. Poulenc said of his opera, “You must forgive my Carmelites. It seems they can only sing tonal music.”
Of course, if you are in New York, you can see the opera in person. Or, like those who do not live there, these screenings are a great option.
With this post Cultural Attaché will be introducing a new feature: Cinema Arts. This new section will allow us to showcase in-theatre broadcasts of operas, plays and other programming tied to the performing arts. We’ll also be pointing out films that may be set in the world of the performing arts and television programs like Great Performances on PBS that allow us all opportunities to see cultural events from all over the world.
Photo: Erin Morley as Constance and Isabel Leonard as Blanche de la Force in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites. (Photo by Ken Howard – Met Opera)
UPDATE: Encore showings have been announced for May 15th. You can use the same search link to find showings near you. We strongly recommend this production.