For love or loyalty

Friendship is pushed to its limits this beautifully exotic work from Bizet that takes us back in time to ancient Ceylon (Sri Lanka) to a lush landscape where two fishermen find themselves subjected to a difficult test of loyalty in the face of true love. Sweeping and romantic with an alluring score, The Pearl Fishers is a wonderful entry point into the opera.

The story of the Pearl Fishers

Premiering in 1863 The Pearl Fishers found little favor amongst the critics of the day and was never repeated in Bizet's lifetime but found a new life in the 20th century, joining the repertoire the world over. Telling the tale of two fishermen, Zurga and Nadir and their battle for the love of the same woman, its themes of friendship, envy and betrayal continue to resonate with audiences over 150 years later.