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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.
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1. Silver space suits
Florestan, a prisoner, and Leonore, his wife, are among principal characters dressed in silver space suits. Picture: Stofleth
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2. Gold coins for the Gold aria
Huge gold coins and gigantic eagles appear during Rocco's Gold aria. Picture: Stofleth
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3. Elaborate costumes
Technically demanding music, delivered by a singer in a restrictive silver costume - it's no mean feat! Picture: Stofleth
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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
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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
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6. Kazushi Ono
Bringing the music to life, conductor Kazushi Ono, is in his fifth year at Lyon Opera. Picture: Stofleth
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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
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8. Gary Hill
Mastermind Gary Hill is behind the beautiful swirling graphics and innovative idea of setting Fidelio on a spaceship.
