French composer Isabelle Aboulker, known for her vocal and operatic works, has premiered her new opera Les Enfants du Levant (The Children of the Levant). The work, based on the history of Armenian orphans after the 1915 genocide, was performed at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on May 26, 2026.
The opera draws from the true story of the 'Camp of the Orphans' in the Levant region, where thousands of Armenian children were sheltered after the Armenian genocide. Aboulker, 87, composed the piece to honor their memory and resilience. The libretto was written by French author and historian Jean-Pierre Haigneré.
Critics have praised the work for its emotional depth and historical accuracy. The production features a 40-voice children's choir and a full orchestra, conducted by Laurent Campellone. The premiere was attended by descendants of survivors and French cultural officials.
Aboulker, a former student of Olivier Messiaen, has composed over 50 works, including operas, chamber music, and vocal pieces. Les Enfants du Levant is scheduled for additional performances in Lyon and Marseille later this year.
