2024 05 24 Pénélope, opera in three acts, concertante

Mysterious, still transparent, like a child’s eyes: these are the words that philosopher Vladimir Jankélévitch uses to describe the music by Gabriel Fauré. In his mature period, the composer, fascinated by Greek Antiquity, draws inspiration from “Odyssey” for his musical drama “Pénélope”, based on a libretto by René Fauchois. The unwavering loyalty of Pénélope, the return of Odysseus to his homeland and the merry conclusion of the myth after the slaughter of the suitors weave an enticing musical universe, echoing the influence by both Gluck and Wagner.
“Pénélope” is the composer’s only opera and is presented for the first time in Greece: the Athens State Orchestra, within the frame of its collaboration with Olympia, and a brilliant cast of French and Greek singers breathe life to the epic heroes, rendering the subtle psychological nuances of the narrative. Among the artists, Olympia welcomes back conductor Pierre Dumoussaud and soprano Catherine Hunold, after their acclaimed performances in the opera “Soeur Béatrice” by Dimitri Mitropoulos.