Samson et Dalila
Wednesday 22nd July 19:00
Thursday 23rd July 19:00
Saturday 25th July 14:00 matinée
The Coade Hall, Bryanston, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 0PS
An opera in three acts written by Camille Saint Saëns in 1867-77 • Libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire • Sung in French with English surtitles.
Brief Synopsis
Samson et Dalila recounts the biblical story of Samson whose charismatic leadership and extraordinary strength have drawn the attention of political enemy Dalila, who is determined to uncover the secret of his strength. Yet Dalila is also drawn to him and when the High Priest of Dagon encourages her to use seduction as a weapon, Dalila agrees to seduce and betray Samson. Their private encounter is the emotional heart of the opera.
Succumbing to human desire, Samson reveals the secret of his strength: his uncut hair. Dalila’s triumph is devastating. Once Samson is asleep, she cuts his hair and strips him of his power.
In the final act, Samson is imprisoned, blinded, and humiliated. When Dalila reappears, cold and distant, he prays to God to restore his strength one last time. His prayer is answered, leading to one of opera’s most unforgettable climaxes…
Cast & Creative Team
| Samson (tenor) making his UK stage debut | Won Whi Choi |
| Dalila (mezzo) | Mae Heydorn |
| High Priest of Dagon (baritone) | Alexey Gusev |
| Abimélech (bass) | Jonathan Eyers |
| First Philistine (tenor) | Alex Hutton |
| Second Philistine (bass) | Sam Weakley |
| Philistine messenger (tenor) | Jamie Formoy |
| Spiritual Elder (bass) | Aidan Smith |
| Conductor | Jeremy Carnall |
| Director | Paul Carr |
| Designer | Rufus Martin |
| Costume designer | Libby Watson |
| Lighting designer | James Smith |
| Chorus Master | Stephen Harris |
| Orchestra Leader | Emre Engin |
Won Whi Choi
Samson
Mae Haydorn
Dalila
Alexey Gusev
High Priest of Dagon
Jonathan Eyers
Abimélech
Alex Hutton
First Philistine
Sam Weakley
Second Philistine
Jamie Formoy
Philistine Messenger
Aidan Smith
Spiritual Elder
