The Pearl Fishers to be performed at Rhyl Pavilion

May 20 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

AS DUETS go there are some that are less prevalent in the public consciousness than, say, Sonny and Cher or David Bowie and Bing Crosby.

It is, then, forgivable that you may not immediately recognise one of the most enduring – Au fond du Temple Saint.

One of the most famous in opera, it comprises part of Les pêcheurs de perles or The Pearl Fishers.

Written by Georges Bizet, it was first performed in Paris in 1863. Almost 147 years later its combination of emotional turmoil and pervasive sadness is due to grace the North Wales stage.

Performed by the City of Swansea’s flag-ship opera company Swansea City Opera, it was so popular during their 2005/06 run that many venues requested its return.

The group is pleased that Nick Ransley, their Nadir from the last production, has agreed to sing again in 2010.

Ancient Ceylon is the setting for Bizet’s tale of a tautly woven friendship, loyalty and forbidden love.

Two brave fishermen, Zurga and Nadir, recall a tragic pact they made not to pursue Leila, a woman for whom both had developed a deep affection.

The score of The Pearl Fishers is ceaselessly seductive and contains one of the most famous and beautiful operatic duets ever written for tenor and baritone.

It appears at Rhyl Pavilion on Saturday. Call 01745 330000 for more information.