See all

Insights: Samson et Dalila

Insights: Samson et Dalila

Insights: Samson et Dalila

Clore Studio
Opera and music

Ahead of the return of Richard Jones’ vibrant production of Camille Saint-Saëns’ opera, cast and creatives explore this biblical epic of faith and loyalty.  

A chorus of singers stand on a stairs on a stage with their arms raised in the air, they are holding up a book with has a gold star embossed on the front. At the centre front, a character wearing red trousers lunges forward holding their chest. Behind them on the stairs leading up are two others, one has their right arm in the air holding up what looks like a knife. The character behind them leans on a crutch.

Join cast and creatives from Richard Jones’ production of Samson et Dalila as they discuss Camille Saint-Saëns’ biblical epic.

Running time
This event lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes without an interval
Guidance
Suitable for all
#royaloperahouse
Generously supported by

Rolex and The Paul Hamlyn Education Fund

The words Rolex in green capital letters with a gold crown sitting above the words

Background

As cast and creatives prepare to bring Samson et Dalila to the Main Stage, this Insight delves into the themes and music of the opera, as well as the inspirations behind Richard Jones' opulent production.

SeokJong Baek and Aigul Akhmetshina star as the biblical lovers in Richard Jones’ production, which bursts with energy and ‘wild colour’ (The Telegraph). Alexander Soddy conducts Camille Saint-Saëns’ opera, a rollercoaster ride of seduction (including Dalila’s popular aria, ‘Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix’ – 'Softly awakes my heart'), emotional choruses and an eye-popping, spectacular finale, in the Bacchanale.

To find exclusive souvenirs and gifts inspired by the opera: explore the Samson et Dalila collection at the Royal Ballet and Opera Shop

Accessibility

Contact the Box Office to book step-free seating options or two wheelchair spaces available in Row A.

Join our Access Scheme for priority access performance tickets and to personalise your account for your access requirements.

See our Accessibility page for more information on access at the Royal Opera House.

Donate

The Royal Ballet and Opera is a charity and relies on your support. No matter the size, every gift is critical to our work and helps us to secure the future of ballet and opera.  

Your donation will enable us to keep extraordinary work on our stages, inspire the next generation and support the Royal Ballet and Opera's community of artists, technicians and craftspeople. 

For people, not profit. Making world class ballet and opera for everyone.

Be the first to know

Sign up to hear the latest Royal Ballet and Opera news, receive ticket alerts, and discover how to support us.

Sign up to hear the latest Royal Ballet and Opera news, receive ticket alerts, and discover how to support us.

Royal Opera House Covent Garden Foundation, a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales (Company number 480523) Charity Registered (Number 211775)