Pearls of ‘The Pearl Fishers’ at Opera San José

By Emma Krasov

Bizet’s first three-act opera, The Pearl Fishers, was created in time of Western idealization of the far away exotic lands, perceived romantic adventures, and noble sacrifices in lush ornamental environs.   

It was also the time of merciless Parisian art critics, supported by the habitually demanding public, hardly ever restrained in delivering their unapologetic verdicts to all kinds of artists.   

Criticized in its day, with librettists Michel Carre and Eugene Cormon partially taking the blame, The Pearl Fishers continuously charms today’s audiences by maintaining its musical brilliance and its innocent fascination with the beauty and drama of pure theatricality.  

Picked by the Opera San José for the opening of its 29th season, the popular piece appears fresh and full of sparkle in its fourth staging in the last two decades is a suitably-lavish décor of the California Theatre.

Love vs. vows, rivalry vs. friendship, and merci vs. mob mentality play out along the highs and lows of moral choices faced by the onstage community of Ceylon pearl fishers, never seizing to excite and entertain the public throughout the compact, thematically saturated Bizet’s masterpiece.

Joining the resident company of principal artists this season is Cecilia Violetta Lopez, who performs the lead part of Leila on selected days, with her crystal-sounding soprano of effortlessly delivered impressive range, and significant dramatic talent.

Principals Alexander Boyer as Nadir, Evan Brummel as Zurga, and Silas Elash as Nourabad create an exceptionally harmonious ensemble, seamlessly supported by the Opera San José chorus and dancers.

Conducted by Anthony Quartuccio, with stage direction by Richard Harrell, choreography by Lise La Cour, set design by Charlie Smith, costume design by Elizabeth Poindexter, lighting design by Pamila Gray,  and wig/makeup design by Jeanna Parham, The Pearl Fishers looks like a perfect season’s opening, and a promise of other wonderful things to come.  

The opera is sung in French with English supertitles and runs through September 23 at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San José. Tickets at the Opera San José Box Office, by phone at (408) 437-4450 or online at www.operasj.org.