Pene Pati and Aude Extrémo each make their role debuts as Faust and Marguerite, respectively, in Jean-Louis Grinda’s new production of La damnation de Faust for Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Performances open on 13 November, conducted by Kazuki Yamada.

French repertoire holds a special place in Pati’s impressive rise to stardom, both in important debuts such as Roméo for San Francisco Opera, Opéra Comique, and Opéra National de Bordeaux, as well as featuring significantly in his self-titled debut album for Decca (Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine/​Emmanuel Villaume) which recently earnt him an Opus Klassik 2022 Newcomer of the Year Award. Likewise, Aude Extrémo has distinguished herself from the outset of her career as one of the leading interpreters of French repertoire, with roles such as Carmen and Dalila becoming her most sought after. Recent seasons have also brought debuts in the dramatic fach, including Fricka, Amneris and this season as Brangäne, Erda, and Marguerite.