Old friends Zurga and Nadir are reunited and vow to never again let love for a woman threaten their brotherhood. When a mysterious priestess arrives in the fishing village, their bonds of friendship are tested.

Exoticism was all the rage in 19th century Europe. Bizet tapped into this trend, transporting his audiences to the island of Ceylon. This opera established his reputation in the Parisian music world at only 24. Ten years later would come Carmen.

The famous 'The Pearl Fishers' Duet' ('Au fond du temple saint') is one of opera’s greatest hits. It was even used in the film Gallipoli. But there’s more to this opera. A treasure trove of music and lyricism awaits to be uncovered.

Pack your picnic and dive into a soul-stirring night in the tropics.

SEMI-STAGED CONCERT

Arts Centre Melbourne, Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Thursday 22 April*, 7.30 pm

2 h, plus one interval

Sung in French with English surtitles

This performance contains flashing lights

*Please note: date change since printing of Season 2021 brochure. 

Seating options

View Sidney Myer Music Bowl map

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl has been transformed into a COVIDSafe space, with a reduced capacity and new socially distanced seating configurations. Your booking reserves a designated area for your group and must be booked in a single transaction. You are welcome to book for fewer guests but you will still receive all the tickets for that area. There are three ticket categories for The Pearl Fishers:

• Private decks for groups of up to four and six guests. Located on the lawn.
• Stalls tables for groups of up to two and four guests. Located under cover, near the stage.
• Balcony seats for one to two guests. Located under cover, on each side of the stalls.

Detailed information to make the most of your night out can be found by visiting Live at the Bowl.

Eat and Drink

Food Trucks

Take your pick from a selection of local-favourite food trucks onsite – all available for click and collect. Settle in and place your order with ease by scanning the QR code in your designated area, and ordering through the Hungry Hungry app. You’ll be notified once it’s ready to pick up. You can check out the line-up by visiting the Live at the Bowl Eat and Drink section.

Gourmet Hampers

Picnic Hamper Collection: On arrival simply pick up your pre-ordered hamper from the collection point, located near the food trucks. 

What's included in your hamper?

• Antipasto Picnic Hamper: Bresaola, Pastrami, Mortadella, Bocconcini, Chargrilled Zucchini, Marinated Semidried tomatoes, Eggplant dip, Dried Fruit and nuts, Bread and Crackers
• Cheese Picnic Hamper (Vegetarian): Hard Cheese, Soft Cheese, Blue Cheese, House Relish, Olives, Sundried tomatoes, gherkins, artichokes
• Gourmet Picnic Hamper: Pork Terrine, Free Range Chicken Liver Pate, Blue Cheese, House Chutney, Dried Fruit and Nuts, Bread and Crackers

Composer Georges Bizet
Librettists Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré 
Conductor Richard Mills
Stage Direction Elizabeth Hill-Cooper
Orchestra Orchestra Victoria

Cast

Leïla Kathryn Radcliffe
Nadir Carlos E. Bárcenas
Zurga Stephen Marsh
Nourabad Teddy Tahu Rhodes

Victorian Opera Chorus

Supported by

Orchestra Victoria