Grétry | La Caravane du Caire
Saison
2026/2027
Returning to Versailles following its 2023 success
An opera-ballet in three acts, composed by André Grétry with a libretto by Etienne Morel de Chédeville, first performed at the Théâtre royal de Fontainebleau in 1783.
Distribution
Gwendoline Blondeel Zélime
Jean-Gabriel Saint-Martin Husca & Florestan
Marie Perbost Almaïde
Pierre Derhet Saint-Phar
Enguerrand de Hys Tamorin
Anas Séguin Osman Pacha
Lili Aymonino French slave
Fanny Valentin* Italian slave
Laura Jarrell German slave
Jérémie Delvert Osmin
Samuel Guibal** Furville
* Members of the Royal Opera Academy – 2025/2027 cohort ** 2023/2025 cohort
Royal Opera Ballet
Le Concert Spirituel choir and orchestra
Hervé Niquet conductor
Marshall Pynkoski director
Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg choreographer
Program
Opéra-ballet in three acts with a libretto by Étienne Morel de Chédeville, premiered at the Théâtre royal de Fontainebleau in 1783
Production
Co-production: Opéra royal-Château de Versailles Spectacles, Opéra de Tours Premiered on April 24, 2022, at the Opéra de Tours Sets, costumes, and props were created in the Opéra de Tours workshops
Duration
2h20
with intermission
Photo credit
Graphic design © Christelle Téa
Additional information
Opera sung in French, with French and English surtitles
A resurrected masterpiece!
The Caravan of Cairo was a triumph when it premiered in 1783, and continued to resonate even within the ranks of Napoleon's army with the chorus "Victory is ours!". Grétry's colorful piece, with its patriotic flair, is a true anthem to France: in the sands of Egypt, the "courageous Frenchman" Saint-Phar attempts to rescue his beloved Zélime from the slave trader who intends to sell her to the Pasha, a true ogre of fable!
Grétry's brilliant music scores points throughout this high-style entertainment! The incredible situations and ballets showcase a sparkling cast, a true gallery of characters swept into a music-hall Orient by the winning duo behind Richard the Lionheart by the same composer, Grétry: Marshall Pynkoski and Hervé Niquet!
The replay is still available >> TV5mondeplus
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