Ariane et Barbe-Bleue

Dukas: ARIANE ET BARBE-BLEUE (Liceu) Dukas's opera Ariane et Barbe-bleue, based on Maeterlinck's symbolist version of the classic tale, sees free spirit Ariane become the sixth wife of the infamous Barbe-bleue, who gives his new bride seven keys to seven doors, but prohibits the use of the last. Ariane discovers an array of glittering jewels behind the first six doors, but a terrifying reality awaits her as she unlocks the seventh. What the press said: ''Also of paramount importance for a successful performance is the orchestral part. And also in this case, the current production featured the right person in the right place, by entrusting the orchestra of the Liceu, which had never played this opera, to conductor Stéphane Denève.'' The Opera Critic José van Dam is cast as the villainous Barbe-bleue, while taking on the immensely demanding role of Ariane - who does not leave the stage throughout the entire opera - is American soprano Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet. Barbe-Bleue: José van Dam Ariane: Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet Nurse: Patricia Bardon Sélysette: Gemma Coma-Alabert Ygraine: Beatriz Jiménez Mélisande: Elena Copons Bellangère: Salomé Haller Alladine: Alba Valldaura Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Conductor: Stéphane Denève Director: Claus Guth Recorded live at Gran Teatre del Liceu, June & July 2011