Fromental Halévy’s five-act grand opera La Juive (‘The Jewess’) is one of the most popular operas of the 19th century, captivating audiences ever since its debut at the Opéra de Paris in 1835. Set in the 15th century and full of pageantry, the subject is the forbidden love between a Christian man and a Jewish woman, and the tragedy that ensues. Oper Frankfurt’s contemporary staging won great acclaim, with Ambur Braid being lauded for her ‘luminous soprano’ as the heroine Rachel, and ‘vocal phenomenon’ John Osborn heralded in the role of her father Éléazar as ‘immensely moving’.

The role of Rachel is taken by increasingly in-demand Canadian soprano Ambur Braid. Of this performance, Concerto.net wrote ‘Ambur Braid’s effortless unfolding of her well-timbred voice makes every performance of Rachel an event.’ Whilst Frankfurter Rundschau wrote ‘Ambur Braid returns to Frankfurt for the title role and impresses with a luminous soprano that can rise to great dramatic heights and clear high notes that emphasise the purity of the character. She movingly portrays the suffering of the title character.’

Éléazar is played by American tenor John Osborn who ‘is a vocal phenomenon who astounds both in bel canto and nineteenth century French opera. In addition, his diction is exemplary. Rarely have I heard a non‑native speaker enunciate French so well. He was able to convey Éléazar’s piety, anger, paternal love and tormented soul…His rendition of the opera’s most popular aria, the Act V aria “Rachel, quand du Seigneur”, was not merely beautifully sung, it was also immensely moving’.

Cast:
- Rachel: Ambur Braid (soprano)
- Éléazar: John Osborn (tenor)
- Léopold: Gerard Schneider (tenor)
- Eudoxie: Monika Buczkowska (soprano)
- Cardinal Brogni: Simon Lim (bass)
- Ruggiero: Sebastian Geyer (baritone)
- Albert: Danylo Matviienko (baritone)