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“The new production of Jules Massenet's Thaïs , which opens the opera season at the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse, is an event in more ways than one: not only does it mark the return of this unusual opera after too many years of absence, but it also brings together a first-class cast, led by a dazzling Rachel Willis-Sørensen in her debut performance in the role.”

Scherzo

“The new production of Jules Massenet’s Thaïs , which opens the opera season at the Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse, is an event in more ways than one: not only does it mark the return of this unusual opera after too many years of absence, but it also brings together a first-class cast, led by a dazzling Rachel Willis-Sørensen in her debut performance in the role.”

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/ Critical Acclaim

“American soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen is simply dazzling in her debut in the title role. The part, written by Massenet for his muse Sibyl Sanderson, who had an exceptional three-octave voice, is terrifyingly difficult, demanding both impetuous high notes and a rich middle register. At 41, the singer is at the peak of her art. Her timbre is both sumptuous and perfectly balanced across the entire range, with a voluptuous middle register and very well-established low notes. Her high notes, while sometimes lacking flexibility, are nonetheless admired for their power. On stage, she embodies with equal fervor the scandalous courtesan of the beginning, obsessed with her own mortality in the famous mirror aria (“Dis-moi que je suis belle”), and the humility of the repentant woman transfigured by faith. Her phrasing is juicy and captivating, ultimately making this performance a moment of absolute grace.”

Scherzo