Dutch National Opera

Les enfants terribles

Philip Glass (1937)

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Dates

14 – 24 March 2026

Location

Tour, Various locations

Running time

1:35, no interval

Tickets

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A woman in a white top holds a hand mirror above her forehead, reflecting her eyes. The background consists of beige draped fabric.

Photo: Bjorn Frins

Young opera talent sings Glass’ poetic masterpiece

Les enfants terribles by Philip Glass is a haunting and poetic chamber opera, in which the obsessive relationship between a brother and sister leads to a tragic end. The hypnotic piano music enhances the intimate nature of this poignant work.

Glass based his 1996 composition on the novel of the same name by Jean Cocteau. The story revolves around teenagers Paul and Lise, who retreat into a Parisian apartment after the death of their mother. Their innocent games spiral into a destructive power struggle, drawing others into their intrigues. Slowly, the siblings push each other towards a tragic conclusion.

There could be no better performers for these roles than the talents of the Dutch National Opera Studio, the two-year programme of Dutch National Opera, which prepares young singers for an international career.

Collaboration between Dutch opera companies

Director Béatrice Lachaussée has previously staged the family production A Song for the Moon at Dutch National Opera and La voix humaine and L’heure espagnole at Opera Zuid. Her refined style and musical sensitivity make her the ideal stage director for this modern classic, which will be presented for the first time at Dutch National Opera.

Les enfants terribles is produced by Opera Zuid in close collaboration with Dutch National Opera and Nederlandse Reisopera. Each year, these opera companies join forces for a production featuring the singers of the Dutch National Opera Studio, to be performed at venues around the Netherlands. The programme is led by the internationally renowned soprano Rosemary Joshua.

Performance information

New production

Music and libretto Philip Glass

Musical direction Nicolas Krüger
Stage direction Béatrice Lachaussée
Set and costume design Jorine van Beek
Lighting design Glenn D’Haenens
Dramaturgy Joep Hupperetz

Paul Ismael Correa Ulriksen
Elisabeth Eva Rae Martinez
Gérard Steven van der Linden
Agathe / Dargelos Aaike Nortier

Pianist #1 and conductor Nicolas Krüger
Pianist #2 Daniel Ruiz de Cenzano Caballero
Pianist #3 Leonardo Moyano Ortiz

Produced by Opera Zuid, in close collaboration with Dutch National Opera and Nederlandse Reisopera