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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Ronald Blum

Live animals and baking bread feature in Messiaen's `Saint François d’Assise' at Salzburg Festival

Opera Saint Francois - (Salzburger Festspiele/Monika Rittershaus)

Philippe Sly worked up a sweat to prepare for the daunting title role in “Saint François d’Assise,” composer Olivier Messiaen’s crowning achievement.

Sly moved into the Kapuzinerkloster, a Capuchin monastery about 1,550 feet (470 meters) above sea level, 7 1/2 weeks ahead of the Aug. 4 opening of Romeo Castellucci’s new Salzburg Festival production timed for the 800th anniversary year of St. Francis’ death.

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