GAM presents Benjamin Britten's third parable (opus 81) inspired by the famous painting by Rembrandt. The work, premiered in 1968, stands out for being the most operatic of the trio of parables. A story about the transformative return of a wandering young man.

The genius of Benjamin Britten, famous British pianist and conductor, arrives on the scene with one of his most captivating and visually inspiring works: The Prodigal Son. This opera, conceived as a "Church Parable", was born from the impact that Rembrandt's famous painting had on the composer during a visit to the Hermitage Museum. That same emotional intensity of the chiaroscuro of the painting is transferred to the music, offering the viewer an experience that is, at the same time, intimate and spectacular.

Considered the most vibrant and operatic piece of his trilogy of parables, this work achieves a perfect balance between ancient solemnity and the dynamism of the modern scene, enveloping the audience in a unique atmosphere from the first moment.

The story presents us with the eternal conflict between the security of home and the thirst for adventure. A young man, driven by the promises of a mysterious Tempter, decides to claim his inheritance and abandon the tranquility of the countryside to immerse himself in the excesses and debauchery of the city.

The UC Music Institute, together with director Felipe Ramos Taky and more than fifteen performers, provide music that uses fascinating instrumental colors, such as the softness of the flute for the peace of the home and the brightness of the trumpet for the seduction of danger. Thus, we witness the protagonist's fall into misery and hunger, after having lost everything in gambling and vice. It is a universal story of redemption that explores human vulnerability and the complexity of family ties when the son, repentant and transformed by the experience, decides to take the difficult path back.

With a positive outlook on reconciliation and the value of second chances, this opera is an invitation to enjoy a deep, dynamic show loaded with musical beauty that resonates long after the final songs fade away.

The Prodigal Son Op. 81 (1967-8) Author Benjamin Britten (1913 –1976)
Performers Gonzalo Quinchahual: Tempter/Abbot | Patricio Sabaté: Father | Valeria Vega: Eldest son | Pilar Garrido: Youngest son | UC Student Choir: servants, parasites, beggars, distant voices | Guillermo Lavado: flute | Cristóbal Ramírez: horn | Hermes Quintanilla: trumpet | Danilo Rodríguez: organ | Paula Suárez: viola | Gabriel Vargas: double bass | Gerardo Salazar, Diego Barría, Diego Retamal: percussion
General direction Felipe Ramos Taky