The Damnation of Faust

At the head of the Orchestre de l'Opéra Normandie Rouen, conductor Pierre Dumoussaud is tackling a fascinating myth that has captivated many artists before him: that of Faust, in the version created by Berlioz, featuring a cast of singers who are specialists in the French repertoire. From Goethe to Gérard de Nerval, the story of this Damnation of Faust is also that of a reinterpretation, a choice that elevates the narrative to the status of a myth set to music. In the purest tradition of sacred oratorio, Berlioz creates a work where the spatial arrangement and visual universe of Guillaume Marmin enhance its powerful evocative quality, rich in colors, rhythms, and melodies that characterize the French style of the time. The choir plays a prominent role, alternately embodying demons, villagers, or various fantastic creatures. These shifting figures blur the boundaries between the real and the imaginary, just like in all good stories… Musical direction: Pierre Dumoussaud Concept, visual creation: Guillaume Marmin Faust: Julien Henric Marguerite: Eugénie Joneau Méphistophélès: Jérôme Boutillier Brander: François Lis Orchestre de l’Opéra Normandie Rouen Chœur accentus / Opéra Orchestre Normandie Rouen Hector Berlioz La Damnation de Faust Dramatic legend in four parts Libretto by Almire Gandonnière and Hector Berlioz, based on Faust by Goethe Created in Paris in 1846 Practical information: All audiences Duration: 2h45 Admission: from €10 to €74 In French with surtitles Cooperation United Kingdom / Norway / Denmark / France