Opera L'Étoile

Every year, King Ouf I looks forward to his self-invented birthday present: a random execution. This year, the choice falls on the cheeky peddler Lazuli. But, court astrologer Siroco warns the king: Ouf’s star is closely linked to Lazuli’s—if *he* dies, then Ouf dies. Instead of a gruesome punishment, Lazuli is suddenly faced with a life of luxury, privileges, and even a marriage to the princess! This absurd premise forms the basis of *L’Étoile*: a witty, socially critical opera by Emmanuel Chabrier.

Although Chabrier (1841–1894) is less well-known today, he was regarded as a genius by fellow composers in his own time. His unique style, which combines impressionistic touches with sharp satire and playful absurdism, makes *L’Étoile* an Opéra Bouffe that is both entertaining and surprisingly relevant today. It holds up a funhouse mirror to the audience, in which the arbitrariness of power, the folly of fate, and the transience of existence are shrewdly exposed.

Director Matthew Eberhardt brings this irresistible comedy to life, together with the Philzuid orchestra conducted by Nicolas Krüger. The opera is full of musical novelties and challenges, including a comical ‘tickling trio’ and a unique ‘sneeze aria’, born from the playful mind of Chabrier.

L’Étoile is sung and spoken in French, with Dutch and English surtitles.