Mythical constellation: Rameau’s “Castor et Pollux” in the first version
Jean-Philippe Rameau recounted the story of the brothers Castor and Pollux with dramatic force in two versions. His tragédie from 1737 shone with contrasts and expressiveness as well as an impressive underworld scene, but it was only in the later, revised version from 1754 that it achieved complete success. The early version is now being staged at the Opéra Garnier in Paris by a prominent artistic team led by Peter Sellars (photo) and Teodor Currentzis with Jeanine de Bique and Reinoud Van Mechelen. According to Peter Sellars, it is not only about the brotherly love of the twins, who are transported into the starry sky, but also about the question of how hatred and war can be ended. Twelve performances are planned from 20 January 2025. The Staatstheater Meiningen is also devoting itself to the 1737 version in a new production starting on 20 February 2025, directed by Adriana Altaras. The musical director is Christopher Moulds.