The Pearl Fishers - English National Opera

A feast for the eyes

Set on the exotic shore of ancient Ceylon, Bizet's The Pearl Fishers is one of the composer's most vibrant works. Penny Woolcock's 2010 production at the London Coliseum was praised for its visually dazzling staging, and now the director returns four years later to repeat the magic. This co-production with the Metropolitan Opera of New York stars Sophie Bevan, one of English Opera's most celebrated young sopranos, in the role of Leila. Starring alongside her is the Juno Award winning Canadian John Tessier and baritone George Van Bergen, who made his English National Opera debut back in 2010 as La Boheme's Schaunard.

Bizet's tale of friendship tested by love first premiered in 1863 in Paris, where, like many of Bizet's early operas, it was met with a mixed reaction. Despite this slightly inauspicious start, The Pearl Fishers has been re-evaluated over the years and is now thought of as something of a companion piece to the composer's most opulent work, Carmen.

What is The Pearl Fishers About?

On a beach in ancient Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), old friends Zurga and Nadir are reunited after nearly a year apart. The two pearl fishermen recount the event that first drove them apart - the fleeting glimpse of a priestess Leila, with whom both fell instantly in love. However, determined not to let their friendship be destroyed, they had sworn never to quarrel over a woman again.

It's at this moment that a boat lands on the shore. It's passenger is a beautiful virgin from a neighbouring island, sent to bless the fisherman before they set sail on their next treacherous journey. Amazed, Nadir recognises the woman as the priestess that he and Zurga bickered over. Despite the oath he has sworn to his friend Nadir is unable to deny his desires and professes his love to Leila. He cannot imagine the disastrous consequences that the resulting love affair will bring about.