Les Boréades
Opera and music
A defiant queen and meddlesome gods. R.B. Schlather directs a new production of Rameau’s most brilliant opera – the first work by the French composer to be performed at Covent Garden by The Royal Opera. Camille Delaforge conducts a stellar cast, bringing this rarely-performed Baroque gem to sparkling life.
Not yet on sale
General booking opens on 21 October 2026
Priority booking dates
Dates
Location
Approximate timings
More information available soon
Accessibility
- Relaxed Performance
- Audio Described
- BSL Interpreted
Expand all dates
Thursday 4 March, 7:15 pm
Saturday 6 March, 7:15 pm
Sunday 7 March, 2:00 pm
Guidance
More information available soon
Please note that, as this is a new production, age guidance and content warnings may be subject to change.
Language
Sung in French with English surtitles, which are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.
Generous support from
Co-production with
Irish National Opera, in partnership with Luail, Ireland's National Dance Company and in association with Irish Baroque Orchestra
Synopsis
The story of Les Boréades
Queen Alphise of Bactria is in love with mysterious foreigner Abaris, but custom demands that she marry a Boread – a descendent of Boreas, the god of the north wind. Determined to follow her heart, Alphise abdicates, enraging the tempestuous Boreas who storms her wedding and abducts her. With the help of some very famous gods, Abaris sets out to win back his beloved – and in doing so, makes a critical discovery about his identity.
Creatives
The artists and creatives behind the production
Composer
Director
Designer
Lighting Designer
Choreographer
Discover
Loosely based on the Greek legend of Abaris the Hyperborean, Les Boréades was Rameau’s final opera, written in the twilight of the French composer’s career but at the height of his creative invention. Pairing exceptional orchestration with brilliant energy, the work, like many 18th-century French operas, is a spectacle of music and dance, and a true treat for ballet and opera lovers alike.
Accessibility and resources
For step free-access and wheelchair spaces in the Linbury Theatre, you will need to book seats on the right-hand side of the auditorium.
We have an assistive listening system available to use. Surtitles, captions and translations in English are displayed on screens above the stage and around the auditorium.
Join our Access Scheme for priority access to tickets and to inform us of your access requirements.
See our Accessibility page for more information or view a visitors guide (PDF, 12.0 MB).
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