Opera presents ‘universal story’

By Catherine Wendlandt

The Dallas Opera (TDO) presents the Dallas premiere of French composer Francis Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites,” opening on November 7 at the Winspear Opera House. The opera tells the gripping true story of the Martyrs of Compiègne, a convent of nuns executed during the French Revolution. More than two centuries later, their story is still relevant today. The Martyrs of Compiègne were canonized into sainthood by Pope Francis this past December 2024. 

“This is not just a French story — it’s universal,” original Director Olivier Py says. “The nuns teach to the world a lesson of dignity.”

The opera is about the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. A frightened aristocrat enters a convent, desperate to find piece from the violence. However, as the Mother Superior warns, a house of prayer is not an escape from reality. Based on a true story, 16 Carmelite nuns must decide if they will live in fear or die together in faith. 

Visit DallasOpera.org for more information.