Maurice Ohana's 'Autodafé' Revived in Marseille Concert Version

On November 25, 2023, the Opéra de Marseille presented a concert version of Maurice Ohana's 'Autodafé', directed by Roland Hayrabedian with ensemble Musicatreize, choirs, and the Opéra de Marseille orchestra. Originally created in 1971-72 as a theatrical work, 'Autodafé' is a fiery critique of tyranny, referencing the Albigensian Crusade, the Tontons Macoutes under François Duvalier, the Inquisition, and the Spanish Civil War. The piece blends medieval polyphony, Afro-Cuban rhythms, blues, cante jondo, and clashing pebbles, using five languages. Hayrabedian, a longtime advocate of Ohana's music, also launched a new cycle, '12 travaux d'Hercule' (12 Labors of Hercules), subtitled '12 allegories for the planet', addressing ecological crises. Works in the cycle include 'Hercule, dernier acte' by Zad Moultaka (performed in Rouen on November 14, 2023), 'Il Toro di Creta' by Ivan Fedele, 'Il giardino delle mele d'oro' by Gianvincenzo Cresta, 'Birds' by Édith Canat de Chizy, and upcoming 'Hydre de Lerne' by Philippe Schoeller (March 13-14, 2024, Marseille). The concert version could not include the original puppet theater and projections due to budget constraints. The article also mentions other notable productions: Stockhausen's 'Sonntag aus Licht' by ensemble Le Balcon at the Philharmonie de Paris (November 2023) and Frank Zappa's '200 Motels' at the Opéra de Nice (December 1-2, 2023).