The true story of 16 Carmelite nuns who sang all the way to the French guillotine

In July 1794, sixteen members of the Carmel of Compiegne, France, were executed under the guillotine in the final days of the French Revolution’s “Reign of Terror.” They are called venerated martyrs in the Catholic Church, who sang “Salve Regina” and other hymns all the way to their deaths. Their story of faith and perseverance has inspired a novella, movies, and now an opera, Francis Poulenc’s “Dialogues des Carmélites,” drawn from John Dexter’s classic 1977 production.

Gloria interviews soprano Christine Goerke, who plays the Carmeltine prioress Madame Lidoine. They talk about Christine’s own faith journey and preparation for this powerful role, along with Gloria’s spiritual connection as a third-order Carmelite. 

The Metropolitan Opera is showcasing Dialogues des Carmélites through January 28, 2023. 

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