Special Performance: Le Devin du Village

20 Jan 2012, 19:45

2012 sees the tercentenary of the birth of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), one of the most influential, best known but perhaps little understood European authors of all times. Under the title Rousseau 300: Nature, Self and State, UCL has organised a series of events aimed at a comprehensive re-evaluation of Rousseau's enduring legacy after 300 years.

Part of this legacy was Rousseau's role as a successful opera composer. His short opera Le Devin du Village was written in 1752 and became a major success, first at Fontainebleau, then on the stages of Paris and London, in a translation by Charles Burney. The opera travelled much of Europe and played an important role in eighteenth-century debates on operatic reform. Rousseau wrote both the libretto and the music for this opera.

Conducted by Charles Peebles, UCLU Chamber Choir is producing two performances of the work, a concert performance on 20 January at 19:45 in the Jeremy Bentham Room and a semi-staged performance on 20 April at 18:30 in the Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre. Tickets for the 20 January performance will be priced at £3, £5 or £7 and can be purchased on the door on the night.

Brief synopsis: Colin (tenor) and Colette (soprano) are lovers, but suspect each other of being unfaithful. After seeking advice of a village soothsayer (baritone) they trust each other again and are happily married.

This set of events, under the auspices of the UCL Centre for Transnational History, is generously supported by UCL Grand Challenges, the UCL European Institute, the Berendel Foundation, the French Embassy in London, the Swiss Embassy in London, the Fidelio Charitable Trust, and the Voltaire Foundation.