Roméo et Juliette at the Paris Opera

Charles Gounod's five-act opera *Roméo et Juliette* brings Shakespeare's timeless tragedy to life with a French libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré. First performed at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris in 1867, the work is celebrated for its series of four duets for the star-crossed lovers and the sparkling waltz song "Je veux vivre" for the soprano.

Attendees can expect a faithful adaptation of the play, from the masked ball where Roméo and Juliette first meet to the heartbreaking final scene in the Capulet tomb. The opera features a prologue chorus setting the scene of feuding Verona families, Mercutio's Queen Mab ballad, and the dramatic duel between Tybalt and Mercutio. The production is frequently staged by the world's leading opera houses, offering a rich musical and theatrical experience.

This Parisian run presents an opportunity to see a cornerstone of French opera in the city where it premiered. The work's enduring popularity, bolstered by its success at the 1867 Exposition, makes it a highlight of the cultural calendar.