Massenet's Thaïs

Give in to temptation and discover the scandal and forbidden passion of Massenet's Thaïs in Peter Konwitschny’s striking production of the beloved French opera. Nicole Chevalier and Josef Wagner embody the principal roles in this sultry tale that follows Athanaël, a Cenobite monk, as he tries to convert idolized courtesan Thaïs to Christianity before realizing his obsession with her may stem more from sinful desire than religious ideals…

Peter Konwitschny's modern staging emphasizes the dichotomous themes of abstinence and debauchery, religion and perversity. The minimalist set — which evokes both the aridity of the desert and the lustful, twirling world of cabaret — plays host to a cast of characters adorned with wings as if fallen angels. Leo Hussain conducts the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra in Massenet’s eclectic score, whose exquisitely lyrical “Méditation” has become perhaps the composer’s most famous melody, and a perennial favorite showpiece for violinists.