When the most voluptuous, sought-after courtesan in the world meets an ascetic monk whose life is devoted to God, you know erotic sparks are going to fly. And when the clash takes place in a glorious, but rarely performed, opera by Massenet, it’s a delight to the ear just as much as to the eye. Renée Fleming is every inch the glamorous Thaïs, swathed in elegant gowns designed by Christian Lacroix. Thomas Hampson is Athanaël, the tortured man of God. This production by John Cox, which premiered in December 2008, brilliantly sets the stage for a confrontation as old as civilization itself.
Director
John Cox
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Reactions from the web
I have never heard the Meditation played more beautifully.
@laura-ann.0726 25
He got a standing ovation at a performance I saw several years ago. Never saw that before.
@sheilabloom6735 34
I don't care what the critics say.....this is one of most beautiful pieces of music ever written. And Chan's playing is stupendous.
@wotan10950 85
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