The Met Opera Live in HD: Dialogues des Carmélites

Dialogues des Carmélites - Live Broadcast Francis Poulenc Estimated Run Time 3hrs 9mins Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the classic John Dexter production of Poulenc’s devastating story of faith and martyrdom. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the touching role of Blanche and legendary soprano Karita Mattila returns to the Met as the Prioress. One of the most successful operas of the 20th century, Dialogues des Carmélites is a rare, modern work that is equally esteemed by audiences and experts alike. The opera focuses on a young member of an order of Carmélite nuns, the aristocratic Blanche de la Force, who must overcome a pathological timidity in order to answer her life’s calling. The score reflects the genius of Francis Poulenc with a setting that takes place between 1789 and 1794 in Paris and in the town of Compiègne in northeastern France. Its historical basis is the martyrdom of a group of 16 Carmélite nuns and lay sisters from Compiègne, who chose to offer themselves as victims for the restoration of peace to France during the Revolution. Sung in French