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Antonia Bembo's 'Ercole amante' enters Paris Opera repertoire after 300 years

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-28

More than three centuries after being commissioned by Louis XIV, Antonia Bembo's opera 'Ercole amante' enters the repertoire of the Paris Opera. Conductor Leonardo Garcia-Alarcon leads the world stage premiere from May 28 to June 14. In an interview, Garcia-Alarcon emphasizes that Bembo was selected for her musical talents, not her gender. The Italian composer's work, originally commissioned in the 17th century, finally receives a full production at the historic institution.

Key facts

  • Antonia Bembo's 'Ercole amante' enters Paris Opera repertoire
  • Commissioned by Louis XIV over 300 years ago
  • World stage premiere conducted by Leonardo Garcia-Alarcon
  • Runs from May 28 to June 14
  • Garcia-Alarcon states Bembo chosen for talent, not gender
  • Bembo was an Italian composer
  • First time the opera is staged at Paris Opera
  • Interview with conductor published by Le Monde

Entities

Artists

  • Antonia Bembo
  • Leonardo Garcia-Alarcon

Institutions

  • Opéra de Paris
  • Le Monde

Locations

  • Paris
  • France

Sources