The Extreme Rarity of 'Les Troyens' on Stage: A San Francisco Opera Success Story

For decades, the opera 'Les Troyens' has been a rare gem in the world of classical music. Its extreme rarity stems from multiple factors that have contributed to its limited performance history. Until 1955, when it was staged at the Boston Opera House, and 1966, when it made its debut at San Francisco Opera, this magnificent work by Hector Berlioz had not been seen on stage in the United States.

Written in 1863, 'Les Troyens' is an extraordinary opera that has captured the hearts of many serious music enthusiasts. In fact, one colleague confessed to owning over 70 different recordings of the work, including hard-to-obtain bootlegs. Despite its popularity among fans, 'Les Troyens' remains a rare sight on stage.

The recent production of 'Les Troyens' at San Francisco Opera, led by acclaimed conductor David McVicar and featuring a 32-ton set designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient Troy, marked a significant milestone in American music. This highly anticipated event was likely the most important performance of the season, and it did not disappoint.

The San Francisco Opera's production of 'Les Troyens' was a testament to the power of music to bring people together and transcend time and space. With its rich orchestral score and powerful storytelling, this opera is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it. As the curtain closes on this production, we can only hope that it will not be another 50 years before 'Les Troyens' graces the stage again in San Francisco or anywhere else.

Les troyens san francisco opera