The Pearlfishers’ Duet

The celebrated duet sung by the characters Zurga and Nadir in Bizet’s opera ‘The Pearlfishers’ is one of the most popular and loved pieces in opera – hence it is one of the most regularly requested. The duet’s soaring melodies, emotional depth, and the way it captures the essence of friendship and romantic longing have contributed to its enduring appeal. Its popularity has led to it being recognized outside the opera world and it has been featured in films including ‘Gallipoli’ when the captain plays the piece on his gramophone as a last glimpse of civilisation the evening before the final brutal offensive. Listen to London Festival Opera perform the duet at La Fenice in Venice: ‘Au fond du temple saint’ (The Pearlfishers – Bizet_ – London Festival Opera at La Fenice in Venice – YouTube