Philippe Hersant Premieres Opera 'Les Éclairs' at Opéra Comique, Exhibits Photography in Paris
Philippe Hersant's opera 'Les Éclairs' made its debut at the Opéra Comique in Paris, where it will be showcased until November 8, 2021. This opera is inspired by Jean Echenoz's novel 'Des éclairs', reimagining the life of Nikola Tesla through the character Gregor. Concurrently, Hersant is displaying his photography series 'Sentinelles' at Galerie des photographes in Paris until November 6, 2021. This series captures views from his Montmartre window during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Hersant describes his photography as a serial and limited process, drawing inspiration from artists such as Turner and Hopper. He reflects on his late interest in opera, having once considered it outdated. His previous compositions include 'Le Château des Carpathes' (1992) and 'Le Moine noir' (2005). Directed by Aurélie Maestre, 'Les Éclairs' consists of 25 scenes that intertwine horror and comedy.
Key facts
- Philippe Hersant's opera 'Les Éclairs' premiered at Opéra Comique in Paris in 2021.
- The opera adapts Jean Echenoz's novel about Nikola Tesla, fictionalized as Gregor.
- Hersant's photography exhibition 'Sentinelles' runs concurrently at Galerie des photographes in Paris.
- Hersant took the photographs from his Montmartre window during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Hersant previously composed operas 'Le Château des Carpathes' (1992) and 'Le Moine noir' (2005).
- Hersant's residency at Clairvaux prison influenced his musical style, incorporating jazz and blues.
- The opera features 25 scenes and uses synthesizers to evoke electrical themes.
- Hersant describes his photographic style as serial, monochromatic, and inspired by painters like Turner.
Entities
Artists
- Philippe Hersant
- Emmanuel Daydé
- Jean Echenoz
- Nikola Tesla
- Jean Jourdheuil
- Jean-François Peyret
- Heiner Müller
- Joëlle Léandre
- Lucrèce
- Nicolas Philibert
- Jules Verne
- Tchekhov
- Olivier Mantei
- Ravel
- Edison
- Villiers de l'Isle-Adam
- Donizetti
- Rossini
- Nicky Rieti
- Hindemith
- Aurélie Maestre
- Pino Musi
- Turner
- Nicolas de Staël
- Giorgio Morandi
- Edward Hopper
- Charles Sheeler
- Bernd Becher
- Hilla Becher
- Berg
- Hölderlin
- Eichendorff
- Trakl
- Rimbaud
- Bach
Institutions
- Opéra Comique
- Galerie des photographes
- Opéra Bastille
- Circus Maximus
- hospice Saint-Joseph
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Rome
- Italy
- Naples
- Clairvaux
- Avignon
- New York
- United States
- Marseille
- Greece
- Montmartre
Sources
- artpress —