Lalo: The King of Ys

In the kingdom of Cornouaille on the Breton coast, the war between Prince Karnac and the inhabitants of the city of Ys is finally over. The condition for the peace treaty is that Karnac marries Princess Margared. But her love for Mylio, who is engaged to her sister Rozenn, will trigger a terrible catastrophe, fueled by her thirst for revenge. Édouard Lalo found an inspiring libretto for his opera “Le Roy d’Ys,” which he realized with a rarely achieved sense of theatrical urgency. Carried by a vehement, colorful production, the characters are able to fully unfold their passions. Above all, the role of Margared makes the work one of the most important French romantic operas. Premiering in Paris in 1888, it celebrated a great triumph, which was confirmed at all revivals in the provinces and abroad. Although the work lasts barely two hours, it teems with dramatic situations: Breton festivals, the supernatural appearance of Saint Corentin, a wedding accompanied by the organ, a tidal wave whose stormy waves are depicted with great effect. “Le Roi d'Ys” now experiences appreciation with this unique production at the Paris Opera, which was unfortunately denied to it during Lalo's lifetime.