Émilie is an opera by composer Kaija Saariaho and librettist Amin Maalouf, which premiered at the Opéra de Lyon in 2010. In Finland, the work was last performed at the Finnish National Opera in 2015. The opera tells the story of the final days of the French scientist Émilie du Châtelet. Alongside the theme of love between a man and a woman, the work explores the love of knowledge and truth. Saariaho was fascinated by Émilie du Châtelet’s contradictions and remarkable achievements in an era when women were expected only to secure good marriages.
This one-act opera consists of nine scenes. On stage, there are 32 artists at the same time: a chamber orchestra that includes a harpsichord, a conductor, two dancers, and two singers. The composition incorporates electronics throughout the piece.
Émilie du Châtelet’s life is a story of science that is philosophy and reason that is emotional. Perhaps she truly is a fitting subject for a grand opera that is also an intimate experience.
– Aleksi Barrière
Performers:
Pia Freund and Meeri Pulakka, sopranos
Marianna Henriksson, harpsichord
Ada Freund and Janne Marja-aho, dance and choreography
Aleksi Barrière, direction
Chamber Orchestra Avanti conducted by Aliisa Neige Barrière
Timo Kurkikangas, sound design and execution
The production is a collaboration between Kokonainen ry, Dialogia! Festival ry, and the Chamber Orchestra Avanti. Production coordination by Sera Syvänen (Raitala Music).
Avanti Hall, unnumbered seated audience
Duration: 75 minutes, no intermission
