What’s funny, as the years go by, is that the longer summer feels, the more the wait for the new opera season feels like an eternity! Yes, sure, I had a little something in Bern with a concert version of Norma, but that was only the appetizer. What I really wanted was a theater, a big cast, and one of those operas I love so much to kick off my season. So on Friday, September 19, I took a flight from Geneva to London to see the premiere of Les Vêpres Siciliennes at the Royal Opera House. This rarely performed opera, which I adore, had been announced as one of Covent Garden’s big moments, and it was a moment, a great moment.

Even though two cast changes had been announced a month before opening night—including the talented Marina Rebeka, replaced by the equally talented and sublime Joyce El-Khoury—it was a sudden but beautiful surprise! It had been ages since I last saw the Canadian-Lebanese soprano on stage—Aida in Rouen, to be exact.

I was so excited to see this staging. From the photos, it looked monumental. And I love the word “monumental.” That’s exactly what I look for in staging: when you go to Disneyland, you’re transported into a dream with castles and gigantic rides—well, that’s what I want in opera. Monumental! Like Allex Aguilera’s productions last year (including a memorable Otello in Rome), it’s such a thrill to see massive castles, towering sets, and costumes so imposing they multiply the charisma of the singers by ten. And that’s exactly what happened on the stage of one of the world’s most renowned theaters. It was… MONUMENTAL!

In a SOLD-OUT house, I was lucky to have a fantastic seat with a perfect view of everything happening on stage.

Let me start with the star of the evening: Joyce El-Khoury. She began learning the role only a few weeks ago, after the announcement of Marina Rebeka’s withdrawal. And let me tell you—learning such a massive role in just fifteen days is no easy feat, especially in a grand opera like Les Vêpres, which lasts over 3 hours and where Hélène’s part is both central and relentless! The challenge must have been immense, but she pulled it off. She embraced the role, delivered magnificent love duets, and crowned it all with a soaring, breathtaking final aria.

Another surprise of the evening—if not THE surprise—was hearing Valentyn Dytiuk on stage! The moment he started singing, I thought: “I know this guy, I know this look, I know this voice, I’ve seen him somewhere before…” And indeed, it was for the very same role, in Berlin, where I had already been struck by his immense talent (and that word feels too small). A perfect stage presence, a long, beautiful voice that grew and expanded throughout the evening, reaching its climax in the finale.

Quinn Kelsey was another major highlight of the evening. Every time I hear his voice, I can’t help but think of Rigoletto, but the Hawaiian baritone proves once again that he is one of the Verdi baritones to watch.

Then came Ildebrando D’Arcangelo as the bass of the night. His role in Les Vêpres Siciliennes is crucial, even iconic, with his aria “Ô toi Palerme”—always a joy to hear, especially in French, where I think the language gives a certain weight and depth to the music.

Vartan Gabrielian, Neal Cooper, and Blaise Malaba completed the cast with talent and elegance—nothing was left to chance. Despite a somewhat sluggish and hesitant start, with a certain lack of energy and grip (and God knows I love my Vespri Siciliani fast-paced, “Muti style”), the evening smoothed itself out in the second and third parts. Special mention goes to the Royal Opera Chorus: magnificent, perfectly conducted, and in total control.

Once again, Giuseppe Verdi proves, more than 100 years after his death, that his music is universal, timeless, and that he remains the greatest composer of all time. Grazie, Maestro!

And finally, a huge thank you to the Royal Opera House for their kindness, their unique hospitality, and their generosity towards Opera Diary and our team in helping us with time, logistics, and interviews.

CAST

HÉLÈNE
Joyce El-Khoury
HENRI
Valentyn Dytiuk
JEAN PROCIDA
Ildebrando D’Arcangelo
GUY DE MONTFORT
Quinn Kelsey
ROBERT
Vartan Gabrielian
THIBAULT
Neal Cooper
LE SIRE DE BÉTHUNE
Blaise Malaba
LE COMTE DE VAUDEMONT
Thomas D Hopkinson
NINETTA
Jingwen Cai
DANIÉLI
Michael Gibson
MAINFROID
Giorgi Guliashvili