By Márcio Bezerra
Before writing the revolutionary Carmen, Georges Bizet tried his hand at the operatic genre with a few operas that were given lukewarm receptions by the public and critics. His first significant opera, Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers) was written in 1863 when he was not even 25, and had just finished his residency in Rome as a recipient of the prestigious Prix de Rome.
It had a short run at the Théâtre Lyrique and it was never heard again in Bizet’s short life. While some commentators complained about the convoluted plot that takes in a distant island (Ceylon/Sri Lanka), the fact is that Les pêcheurs contains some of the most beautiful arias in the French repertoire, including a very famous tenor-baritone duet.
One should be, therefore, pleased that Palm Beach Opera’s second show of the 2026 season brought the lesser-known jewel to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. It was the first time the company staged the work and the result was an absolute success.
Under the baton of Music Director David Stern, the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra rendered the luminous score with precision and a varied sound palette. The woodwind and percussion sections were particularly impressive, bringing forth the exotic colors of the score most convincingly.
As in years past, principals were well-balanced vocally, with no one singing more or less forcefully among themselves.
As Leïla, Francesca Pia Vitale displayed a solid technique. She sang her coloratura passages effortlessly and had a wide dynamic range. In addition, her striking figure made for a convincing young heroine.
Her unfortunate lover, Nadir, was sung convincingly by Long Long. His “Je crois entendre encore” (one of the most exquisite numbers of the French repertoire) was sung well, although one would have appreciated a more varied approach to timbre and dynamics. His collaboration with Joo Won Kang (Zurga) in the famous duo “Au fond du temple saint” was one of the highlights of the evening.
Kang’s Zurga was sung with authority thanks to his potent, clear baritone. His acting skills stood out, even in the somewhat awkward ending. As the High Priest Nourabad, Alfred Walcker brought gravitas to the stage and the best French diction among the principals.
Palm Beach Opera Chorus had a more difficult-than-usual role and tackled the score with confidence. The many choral numbers were the highlight of the production, along with the beautiful choreography by Ray Mercer.
A special mention has to be made for the stunning sets by Zandra Rhodes (who was in attendance), originally made for San Diego Opera. Not since the days of Bruno Aprea had the audience experienced such refined combination of tradition and innovation as far as sets featured by Palm Beach Opera. One can only hope that this refined approach will continue in future productions.
Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers) continues tonight and Sunday afternoon at the Kravis Center. Tonight’s performance features Aigul Khismatullina as Leila and Jack Swanson as Nadir; Vitale and Long return to the lead roles Sunday afternoon. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 pm today and 2 pm Sunday at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For tickets, call 561-832-7469 or visit kravis.org; alternatively, call 561-833-7888 or visit pbopera.org.