Lakmé

In a fantasised India, the Brahmin priest Nilakantha cares for a sacred grove with his daughter Lakmé. No sooner is Nilakantha away when Gérald, a young English officer, wanders deep into the grove and falls in love with Lakmé. Nilakantha immediately senses the defilement when he returns and swears revenge. Lakmé hides the stranger who has stirred forbidden, passionate emotions in her, in a secret flower garden. The couple’s heavenly time together will not last long, and must end tragically ...

With »Lakmé« in 1883 Léo Delibes created a high point of operatic exoticism of the 19th century. Vibrant orchestral tones, Lakmé’s »Bell Song« and the Flower Duet« between her and her servant and confidante, Mallika, have since been delighting audiences around the globe.