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Beethoven only composed one opera, Fidelio. Surprising? Not as surprising as Opéra de Lyon's latest production, which sets the action in outer space! We sent John Suchet along to explore how Beethoven's music looks in zero gravity.
Florestan, a prisoner, and Leonore, his wife, are among principal characters dressed in silver space suits. Picture: Stofleth
Huge gold coins and gigantic eagles appear during Rocco's Gold aria. Picture: Stofleth
Technically demanding music, delivered by a singer in a restrictive silver costume - it's no mean feat! Picture: Stofleth
Making the most of post-Beethoven technology, the opera was brought to life, not only by the singers, but also by the intricately detailed graphics projected onto a gauze. Picture: Stofleth
Opéra de Lyon prove the simple story of Fidelio is universally true for all generations of humanity, even in a far galaxy many centuries hence. Picture: Stofleth
Bringing the music to life, conductor Kazushi Ono, is in his fifth year at Lyon Opera. Picture: Stofleth
Remarkably complex computerised graphics are projected on the screen. Could Beethoven have imagined his simple opera would one day become an out-of-this-world space adventure? Picture: Stofleth
Mastermind Gary Hill is behind the beautiful swirling graphics and innovative idea of setting Fidelio on a spaceship.