Nicandro e Fileno

The opera that Lully wanted to ban At the end of the 17th century, French opera was dominated by Lully, to the extent that his rivals had to confine themselves to the private sphere to perform stage works. There was one exception, however: Nicandro e Fileno, by Paolo Lorenzani. After arriving from Rome in 1678 as the Queen's music master, he had the work performed in Fontainebleau in 1681 in front of the King, despite Lully's ire. Comic scenes, French influences but also lamenti à la Rossi or à la Cavalli: listening to this little gem revived by the young performers of La Palatine, we understand why Lully had every reason to fear the success of this dangerous rival... A real rediscovery! DISTRIBUTION Marie Théoleyre, Filli Blandine de Sansal, Clori Etienne Bazola, Nicandro Mathieu Gourlet, Fileno Clément Debieuvre, Lidio Adrien Fournaison, Eurillo La Palatine, ensemble in residence Guillaume Haldenwang & Marie Théoleyre, artistic direction 1h20 without intermission In Italian, with French surtitles Staged version