The Bat, Strauss: A Sparkling Concert Experience

Strauss’s The Bat takes off again: Opéra de Lille bursts with laughter, elegance, and irresistible melodies.

Johann Strauss II’s The Bat (Die Fledermaus), at the Opéra de Lille in June 2024, is a dazzling celebration of Viennese operetta, brought to life through brilliant musical direction and inventive staging. Adapted into French by Agathe Mélinand, it crowns the opera house’s anniversary season with elegance and flair.

Under Johanna Malangré, the orchestra delivers a performance full of vitality. Spirited waltzes, enchanting duets, and resplendent choruses flow seamlessly, captivating audiences from the first note to the final bow. Each phrase highlights Strauss’s humor and richness, making every moment a delight.

Director Laurent Pelly immerses the audience in a bold visual world. Stylized sets and colorful costumes create a playful, dreamlike atmosphere, enhancing the operetta’s satirical edge. The result is whimsical yet sophisticated, balancing comedy and musical brilliance.

The vocal ensemble shines throughout. Guillaume Andrieux, Julien Dran, Christophe Gay, Marie-Ève Munger, Camille Schnoor, and Franck Leguérinel bring depth, nuance, and vitality to their roles, breathing life into the characters while honoring the original work.

This production is more than an operetta; it is a celebration of music, theater, and joy. With exceptional artistry, inventive staging, and virtuosic performances, it offers an unforgettable experience, a perfect blend of elegance, humor, and musical brilliance.

Genre Live Show
Production year 2024
Director Sébastien Glas
Stage Director Laurent Pelly
Choir Chœur de l’Opéra de Lille
Orchestra / Band Orchestre de Picardie
Conductor Johanna Malangré