Chelsea Opera Group’s performance of Lakmé by Léo Delibes offers the rare treat of hearing the work, popular from excerpts but only infrequently put on stage, in its entirety.

Set in a time of British repression of Indian religious practices, Delibes sets out a classic story of forbidden love between cultures. Goddess-like Lakmé falls in love with the poetically minded British officer Gérald and saves him after a vengeful attack by her Brahmin priest father Nilakantha. However, when Gérald is told he must rejoin his regiment, Lakmé takes her own life.

Delibes’ score is filled with delightful melodies and orchestral colours, though the gorgeous Flower Duet from Act 1 and the dizzying virtuosity of the Bell Song in Act 2 are essential listening for anyone interested in opera.

We are thrilled to once again welcome Matthew Scott Rogers to conduct what will no doubt be an enchanting evening.

Concert performance sung in French with English surtitles.

4.45pm: Pre-concert talk (free to ticket holders)