PAGANINI

World-famous violin virtuoso Niccolò Paganini was a controversial figure: he was a musical genius, had a passion for women and was addicted to gambling. Nearly a century after his death, he was still able to capture the imagination. For instance, Franz Lehár wrote an elegant operetta about Paganini’s legendary romance with Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon’s art-loving sister.

Lehár depicts Paganini primarily as a brilliant and unconventional musician. Brussels Operette Theater takes it out of its historical context and sets the story in Italy in the 1930s.

Paganini tells the fascinating tale of the virtuoso bohemian artist. Enchanted by his passionate violin playing, Elisa succumbs to his charm. Their bittersweet love affair takes place against the background of the Italian theatre with its ‘entourage’ of managers, politicians, actors, prima donnas, directors and musicians.

In this environment, power relations, mounting passions and jealousy will take their toll. Paganini doesn’t care about the rules, but will be forced to escape this circle under the threat of violence. His only consolation is the art he creates for the entire world: Nur die Kunst soll Dich betören, Du gehörst der ganzen Welt.

With elegant melodies and his wonderful orchestration, Lehár guides us through this colourful story. Musical theatre covered in gold!

Sung in German, with Dutch surtitles.

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music Franz Lehár libretto Paul Knepler and Béla Jenbach soloists Xavier Flabat (tenor), Alice Wielant (soprano), Mélodie Gasulla (mezzo soprano) and Florent Corbet (tenor) orchestra Kamerorkest Nuove Musiche conductor Eric Lederhandler direction Lieven Baert photo BOT