Thomas: Hamlet

With Shakespearian operas all the rage in Paris during the 19th century, Ambroise Thomas and his librettists Michel Carré and Jules Barbier adapted 'Hamlet' to create a romantic spectacle in which the character of Ophélie shines with a haunting radiance. With its virtuosic arias, stunning ensembles and vivid orchestration - with the colourful addition of the newly invented saxophone - Thomas composed one of the most successful operas in the French repertoire. This is further enhanced by director Cyril Teste's multi-layered production, reinstating its powerful original ending, and including cinematic techniques.