On May 22 and 23, 2025, The Opera People from Singapore will stage Charpentier’s “Medée” at the Esplanade Recital Hall.

This production, a joint effort with France’s Les Épopées and Singapore’s Red Dot Baroque, marks the first time a work by Charpentier will be performed in Singapore. It also commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and Singapore.

The production will be led by Stéphane Fuget, artistic director of Les Épopées, alongside Alan Choo, Red Dot Baroque’s artistic director and the 2024 NAC Young Artist Award recipient. The cast includes a blend of French and Singaporean talent, with Isabelle Druet taking the lead role, David Charles Tay as Jason, Claire Lefilliatre as Nérine, Edward Kim as Créon, and Kira Lim as Créuse.

Shridar Mani, co-artistic director and company manager of The Opera People, shared in a press release, “Our collaboration with Stéphane Fuget began in 2022 during a Voilah! French Festival program, where we built a strong partnership. We’ve been planning this project for three years and are thrilled to bring it to life, especially as it coincides with a significant milestone in the diplomatic relationship between our nations.”

The performance will showcase a historically informed approach, with period instruments and Baroque performance techniques, reflecting the shared vision of the collaborating ensembles to honor Charpentier’s original composition. This cross-cultural endeavor not only highlights the artistic synergy between French and Singaporean musicians but also aims to engage audiences with a rare opportunity to experience a 17th-century French opera in a modern Southeast Asian context.

Tickets for the performances will be available through the Esplanade’s official website starting March 2025, with pricing details to be announced closer to the date. The production is expected to draw both local and international audiences, further strengthening the cultural exchange between the two nations during this milestone year.