Philippe Sly prepares for Salzburg Festival opera role via monastic living

Canadian bass-baritone Philippe Sly has undergone intensive preparation for the title role in Olivier Messiaen’s opera, ‘Saint François d’Assise’, at the Salzburg Festival. To immerse himself in the spiritual life of the character, Sly lived in the Kapuzinerkloster, a Capuchin monastery, for seven and a half weeks leading up to the August 4 opening.

During his stay, Sly participated in daily monastic routines, including attending morning Lauds, Vespers, and Eucharist Mass. He also endured sleeping without air conditioning during a period of record European heat waves.

The production, directed by Romeo Castellucci, commemorates the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis. Messiaen’s monumental score lasts over six hours and includes complex elements such as three ondes Martenots and extensive percussion. Conducted by Maxime Pascal, the production features 120 musicians and a 90-member chorus, with performances scheduled through August 23.