Michel Plasson, one of the most important French conductors from the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, is well known for his interpretations of French opera, particularly those of Gounod and Massenet. He will be the conductor of "Le Roi d'Ys." [Photo: CRIENGLISH.COM]

The classic French opera "Le Roi d'Ys" will run from April 3rd to 6th at Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts. The opera, composed by Lalo, premiered in 1888. Due to its complex staging requirements, the last two performances were held 23 years apart, in 1984 and 2007. The opera is considered a classic French production, but is seen as a mysterious pearl buried under the dust.

The story is founded upon a Breton legend about Magared and Rozenn, the daughters of the King of Ys. Both princesses love the warrior Mylio, but he has eyes only for Rozenn. In revenge, Magared betrays her father's city to Karnac, his enemy. She gives Karnac keys to the sluices standing between the town and the sea. Just as the town and all of its inhabitants are about to be swept away, Magared throws herself into the sea in remorse. St. Corentin, the patron saint of Ys, accepts her sacrifice and the waters abate.