Opera North

Based (very loosely) on the life of the French poet André Chénier (1762 – 94) and set at the time of the French Revolution and the ensuing Terror, Giordano’s stirring opera has always been warmly embraced by audiences for its open-hearted emotionalism and ardent dramatic lyricism.

For many, Andrea Chénier encapsulates the very essence of Italian opera and the title role is one of the most prized in the tenor repertoire. It’s not hard to hear why when you listen to arias such as ‘Un di all’azzuro spazio’, ‘Come un bel dì di maggio’ and the closing duet for Chénier and the opera’s heroine Maddalena, whose love endures even in the face of death. In the best verismo tradition, Giordano also colours his score with tunes associated with the French Revolution, such as ‘Ça ira’ and the ‘Marseillaise’.

Annabel Arden’s new production for Opera North explores the chaos of revolution and examines the role of the artist in a time of political turmoil.