This weeks opera we dive into the world of Lakmé by Léo Delibes. This three act French opera premiered in 1883 at the Opera Comique in Paris, France. This story takes place during the English Rule in India. Lakmé is the daughter of a high priest who falls in love with a British Soldier named Gerald. Her father believes he needs to protect her honor and decides to get revenge on Gerald. After surviving a stab wound, Lakmé nurses Gerald back to health only for him to leave her and she ends up ending her life. I hope you enjoy this week’s episode!

Sources:

https://www.operaamerica.org/calendar/production/21248/lakme

https://www.liveabout.com/lakme-synopsis-724265

https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/the-british-impact-on-india-1700-1900/

https://www.britannica.com/event/British-raj

Flower Duet with Sabine Devieilhe and Marianne Crebassa: https://youtu.be/C1ZL5AxmK_A?si=a8zAulq1Pnl81N3l

Bell song with Sabine Devieilhe: https://youtu.be/C1ZL5AxmK_A?si=a8zAulq1Pnl81N3l