Samson and Dalila
By Camille Saint-Saëns (To be sung in French)

Because of its biblical subject, the opera was banned by the French Authorities and was first produced in Germany. It was finally presented in France in 1890. A long time popular favourite in the world opera houses, it attracted many of the leading singers of the day such as Caruso at the Metropolitan in 1915.

Plot at a Glance:
Based on the biblical story, the Hebrews are being ground down by the Philistines and Samson, who has faith in God’s promise of liberty, rouses his compatriots and induces a new spirit of rebellion. The High Priest of Dagon rages, but cannot goad the Philistines to effective resistance and the Hebrews are left masters of the centre of Gaza. Dalila arrives and appears to pay tribute to the victorious Samson. An old Hebrew warns him to beware her wiles, but he is doomed as she completes her ensnarement with the languorous aria “Fair Spring is returning”.

The Hebrews are becoming stronger and word is out that Samson has renounced the love he once had for her. The High Priest offers Dalila a reward if she can find out the source of his strength but she, however, is confident that he is still her slave and she will trap him for her own reasons of revenge. Her great aria “Softly awakes my heart” finally wears him down and she emerges triumphant while he is blinded and diminished. However, as time goes by he prays to God to give him back his strength and ends victorious in his final act of defiance.