Offenbach : La Périchole

In 18th-century Lima, under Spanish colonial rule, a street singer becomes the object of everyone’s desire. Known as La Périchole and inspired by the real-life Micaela Villegas, she was immortalized by Mérimée before being celebrated by Offenbach in an opéra bouffe as brilliant as it is audacious. La Périchole and her companion Piquillo, penniless but deeply in love, cross paths with Viceroy Don Andrès de Ribeira, whose intentions toward the young singer are more political than artistic.

Offenbach seizes on this tale with his trademark genius for parody and social satire, blending boleros, seguidillas, and finely wrought arias into a score that is as rhythmically vibrant as it is biting. La Périchole offers a playful yet pointed take on power, love, and appearances, brought to life by a dazzling cast: Stéphanie d’Oustrac infuses the heroine with charm and spirit, opposite Philippe Talbot as an irresistibly funny and touching Piquillo, while Tassis Christoyannis shines as the delightfully vain Viceroy.

Under Julien Leroy’s spirited baton, the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris and the choir Les Éléments reveal every spark of Offenbach’s lively music. Valérie Lesort’s inventive staging, filled with puppetry and whimsical visual effects, immerses the audience in a world bursting with imagination.

A delectable operetta where laughter and social commentary dance hand in hand, with satire and lightness in perfect harmony.