Fairy Queen

The Ensemble Correspondances invites you to discover one of the gems of English Baroque, Purcell’s The Fairy Queen, a semi-opera in five acts inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Premiered at the Dorset Theatre in London in 1692, Purcell’s composition is remarkably imaginative : Shakespeare’s already relatively complex story is enriched by parallel plots and a cast of whimsical, moving, and at times burlesque or diabolical characters. The musical component of the work is extraordinary, featuring some of Purcell’s most beautiful arias, such as the poignant “O let me weep” or the lively “Thrice happy lovers,” in which the composer’s artistry in counterpoint and theatricality reaches its peak. A unique and spellbinding musical tapestry, presented by the Ensemble Correspondances in a concert version imbued with magic and humor.