In December 2022, La Monnaie presented the world premiere of On purge bébé!, Philippe Boesmans' final opera. The recording of this mischievous one-acter, conducted by Bassem Akiki, is now out on the Fuga Libera label.
Inspired by Georges Feydeau’s vaudeville, On purge bébé ! tells the story of the all-too-common troubles in the Follavoine family. Just as Monsieur is about to close a deal with the French army for his ‘unbreakable’ chamber pots, Madame launches into a spiel about their tyrannical son Toto’s constipation. It is the beginning of a madcap day in which both chamber pots and petit bourgeois façade meet their end.
The release has already received praise from the music press for "the perfect rendering of the richness of the score" and the "great theatrical commitment" of the cast, led by Jean-Sébastien Bou, Jodie Devos and Denzil Delaere.
Discover the recording on CD, or via download and stream.
From 3 June to 22 September, La Monnaie and Muntpunt are transforming Rue Royale—the small street between their buildings—into a vibrant summer spot. A long table will serve as a welcoming meeting place where locals and passers-by can read, have lunch, play board games, or simply soak up the sun.
To mark Pride Week, La Monnaie decorates its façade in rainbow colours, to show its unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
A real feast for the eyes and ears in 2023, La Monnaie’s production of Tchaikovsky’s most intimate and celebrated opera, directed by Laurent Pelly and conducted by Alain Altinoglu, is now available on DVD, Blu-ray and streaming via Naxos.
