Les Troyens (2012)

Following the fall of Troy, the Trojan warrior Aeneas begins a journey to establish a new lineage. He encounters Queen Dido of Carthage and they fall in love. However, will Aeneas's love for Dido outweigh his obligation? *The Trojans* is a remarkable musical work featuring music ranging from powerful military marches to emotionally charged choruses, intense solo passages – including those of the prophetess Cassandra – and heartfelt love duets between Dido and Aeneas. This is Hector Berlioz's most extensive composition, with the libretto written by the composer himself, based on Virgil's Aeneid. To Berlioz's regret, *The Trojans* was performed fully only once during his lifetime and often presented in abbreviated form in the 20th century. The Royal Opera's production offers a rare opportunity to witness this grand work in its complete form. David McVicar's staging features an exceptionally large cast, one of the biggest ever assembled at Covent Garden.