Sun, Jun. 02, 2024, 5.00 pm - 9.30 pm | Elbphilharmonie, Grand Hall Premiere

Olivier Messiaen

Saint François d'Assise

Why love ugliness? Why praise naturalness? Why entreat heaven to be allowed to experience pain? – Between dream worlds and faith, half of this world and half of the otherworld, music speaks; far from reality, it resounds with truth: “You are love. You are wisdom. You are humility. You are patience. You are beauty... You are all our riches and you suffice...“ – The music follows the colours, miracles, birds, seeking to find the grace growing in the human soul and share it. – A monumental work. The sum of a life’s work, leading Messiaen, the synaesthete who called himself a composer, ornithologist and rhythmist, back to the roots with St. Francis’ famous sermon to the birds: “Listen to the birds, they are great masters,” had been his composition teacher’s advice.

Scenic design: Thomas Jürgens, Julia Mottl, Georges Delnon
Dramaturgy: Janina Zell
Chorus: Martin Steidler

In French with German surtitles
Co-production of the Hamburg State Opera, the Hamburg Philharmonic State Orchestra and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg. Supported by the Foundation for the Promotion of the Hamburg State Opera and Commerzbank Hamburg.