“Je crois entendre encore” - The Pearl Fishers

“Je crois entendre encore” is an aria from Georges Bizet's Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers).

This opera depicts a story of love, betrayal, and sacrifice that centers around two friends, Nadir and Zurga, who have vowed to never let the love of a woman come between them. However, when a beautiful priestess arrives their vows are put to the test and each man must make his choice. Enjoy lush music and lively dance in Lyric's production of this captivating romance that tests the bonds of friendship.

Here, Nadir (Matthew Polenzani) reflects on the memory of seeing the beautiful priestess Leïla, with whom he instantly fell in love.

Song title: “Je crois entendre encore”

Opera: Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers)

Composer: Georges Bizet

Year Written: 1863

Language: French

Performance dates: November 19 – December 10, 2017

Artists: Matthew Polenzani (Nadir) and the Lyric Opera Orchestra under Maestro Sir Andrew Davis.

Special thanks to the Chicago Federation of Musicians local 10-208 and artists of the American Guild of Musical Artists.