Composer Camille Saint-Saëns

Original Work 13 to 16 in the Old Testament 

Libretto Ferdinand Lemaire

Premiere 1877, Grossherzogliches Hoftheater, Weimar ​

 

Samson et Dalila, almost the only one of Saint-Saens' operas, has been gaining endless popularity, which will be the second stage for KNO since its premiere in 1980.  is based on a highly popular episode from Judges 13 in the Old Testament, retelling the story of Delilah seducing her old lover, Samson, and then taking away his great power by cutting off his hair. Highly lyrical arias including “Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix” sung by Delilah who captivates the heart of Samson, constantly excite the audience. Bacchanale, a magnificent ballet scene in Act III is also loved by the public with its exotic atmosphere and dramatic mood.

 

For this new performance to be ambitiously presented by KNO in 2021, Arnaud Bernard, a famed director who is in his full prime in the world opera stages such as the Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera and Verona Opera Festival, will be back in Korea, since  performed by KNO in 2014.

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Stage Director Arnaud Bernard