Synopsis
A wonderful nightingale is invited to sing at the Emperor of China’s court. However, the emperor decides he prefers a mechanical bird. Devastated, the nightingale flees the court. Then the emperor's health begins to fail and no cure can be found. The nightingale returns and saves the emperor’s life. He now sings every night until dawn.

A work of two parts
Stravinsky composed this adaptation of a Hans Christian Andersen story in both Russia and Switzerland, though in the Russian style. It is a work of two parts: calm and bucolic at the outset, later becoming more energetic with innovative rhythm patterns. Robert Lepage’s staging is enchanting. The Quebec-based director gives us an aquatic puppet show (with 75 marionettes!), inspired by Asian tradition and performed by singer/puppeteers. A spectacular staging that transforms the orchestra pit into a lake! This lyric fairytale will be preceded by a series of shorter pieces, moving from the miniature (Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet, Pribaoutki, Berceuses du chat, Two Poems of Konstantin Balmont and Four Russian Peasant Songs) to chamber orchestra (Ragtime) and finally to "sung action” (The Fox), alternating between popular style and jazz rhythms.

Find our more about the health and safety measures we have put in place to enable you to attend performances and get the most out of your visit.

Revival of the 2010 Opera de Lyon production
A co-production with the Canadian Opera Company of Toronto and the Nederlandse Opera of Amsterdam
In collaboration with Ex Machina, Quebec