Les Éclairs

Les Éclairs delves into the fate of the engineer Nikola Tesla – aka Gregor Tesla. Upon arriving in New York in 1884, Gregor was filled with revolutionary visions of electricity applications. But he was more interested in scientific discoveries than in profit-making. Manufacturers plundered and perverted his inventions, driving him to seek refuge in lightning shows and the company of birds.

Opera in four acts. Libretto by Jean Echenoz, music by Philippe Hersant
Commissioned by the Opéra Comique – World creation

Novel-writing was a great source of renewal for the opera in the XIXth century. However, few authors tackled the lyric scene: it was the librettists’ job. At the invitation of the Opéra Comique, Jean Echenoz now addresses the challenge of adapting his 2010 novel. How will his characters materialise? With which words? Which voices, decor and music will bring Philippe Hersant’s third opera to life.

The Salle Favart was the first opera auditorium in Europe to be equipped with all-electric lighting. At the head of the Orchestre Philarmonique de Radio France and of the Aedès choir, Clément Hervieu-Léger and Ariane Matiakh unfurl the poetry of this scientific adventure, with young performers in love with creation.

Musical direction Ariane Matiakh • Stage direction Clément Hervieu-Léger • With Jean-Christophe Lanièce, André Heyboer, Elsa Benoit, Marie-Andrée Bouchard-Lesieur, Jérôme Boutillier, François Rougier • Ensemble Aedes • Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France

See all the cast

2h30 - Salle Favart
90, 75, 65, 50, 30, 25, 12, 6 €
Show sang in French with French and English subtiltes

16 seats are dedicated to people with reduced mobility, on reservation at the box office or by phone. Access to the lift is located 5 rue Favart
+33 1 70 23 01 44 | accessibilite@opera-comique.com