Les Troyens - San Francisco Opera

Hector Berlioz's epic opera, 'Les Troyens' (The Trojans), chronicles the fall of Troy and the tragic love affair between the Trojan princess Cassandra and the Carthaginian queen Dido. The story unfolds in two parts: the first focuses on the aftermath of the Trojan War and the Greeks' cunning use of the Trojan Horse, while the second part details the arrival of Aeneas in Carthage and his fateful encounter with Dido.

This 2015 San Francisco Opera production of Berlioz's monumental work was widely hailed as a triumph, praised for its scale, visual splendor, and the power of its performances. It was seen as a landmark event in the company's history, bringing a rarely staged masterpiece to life with exceptional artistic quality.

• Praised for its breathtaking visual design and ambitious staging.

• Commended for the powerful vocal performances, particularly from the lead singers.

• Lauded as a significant artistic achievement for the San Francisco Opera.

Google audience: Audience response to this production was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing awe at the scale and artistry of the staging and the emotional impact of the music and performances. It was considered a must-see event for opera enthusiasts.

None notable (as a specific production, major awards are typically for the opera itself or individual performers in various productions)

Hector Berlioz considered 'Les Troyens' to be his magnum opus, but he died before seeing the entire opera performed live. The complete work was not staged until 1890, 21 years after his death.