Let me start with the star of the evening: Joyce El-Khoury. She began learning the role only a few weeks ago, after the announcement of Marina Rebeka’s withdrawal. And let me tell you—learning such a massive role in just fifteen days is no easy feat, especially in a grand opera like Les Vêpres, which lasts over 3 hours and where Hélène’s part is both central and relentless! The challenge must have been immense, but she pulled it off. She embraced the role, delivered magnificent love duets, and crowned it all with a soaring, breathtaking final aria.