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    Pictures

    Concert

    Beethoven's Fidelio on a spaceship at Opéra de Lyon

    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.

    1. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      1. Silver space suits

      Florestan, a prisoner, and Leonore, his wife, are among principal characters dressed in silver space suits. Picture: Stofleth

    2. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      2. Gold coins for the Gold aria

      Huge gold coins and gigantic eagles appear during Rocco's Gold aria. Picture: Stofleth

    3. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      3. Elaborate costumes

      Technically demanding music, delivered by a singer in a restrictive silver costume - it's no mean feat! Picture: Stofleth

    4. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      4. A galaxy far, far away

      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

    5. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      5. Beethoven's universal music

      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

    6. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      6. Kazushi Ono

      Bringing the music to life, conductor Kazushi Ono, is in his fifth year at Lyon Opera. Picture: Stofleth

    7. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      7. Out of this world

      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

    8. Fidelio in space Opera de Lyon

      8. Gary Hill

      Mastermind Gary Hill is behind the beautiful swirling graphics and innovative idea of setting Fidelio on a spaceship.

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