Dear friends,

2010 marks the thirteenth season of Lyrique en Mer. The Festival Board, created in 2005 at the request of the festival’s founder Richard Cowan, has decided, despite the economic crisis, to produce a festival which retains the quality of its performances and involvement of its audiences.

In 2009 we saw a slight decrease of audience members attending Lyrique en mer, in spite of ten chartered boats for the music lovers from the mainland, the organisation of thirteen performances at the Citadelle Vauban, five concerts in the churches, and a recital in the Salle Arletty.

In 2010 we hope to return to the level of our success in 2008, where we welcomed more than 6000 members of the public.

Besides the two main operas, Verdi’s Rigoletto and Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte, performed at the Citadelle, Belle Ile’s churches this year will host the sacred music concert, with Fauré’s Requiem on the programme.

We’d also like to make it easier for our mainland audience to join us, once again offering ten dates to choose from throughout July and August.

The festival staff will give its utmost to put on 20 performances in spite of the difficult economic background. It’s thanks to the support of our private and public sponsors, as well as the hospitality of the residents of Belle Ile, that we’re able once again offer you an unforgettable operatic experience.

Welcome to you all!

Hubert Tardieu