Date: 16-20 September 2004

Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Culture Center
Hong Kong Sinfonietta

Set Designer: Charfi Hung
Costume Designer: Mandy Tam
Lighting Designer: Leo Cheung
Choreographer: Susan Street
Movement and Fight Director: Peter Jordan

Performed in French with Chinese and English subtitles.

Faust (Tenor) :
Jianyi Zhang (9/16, 18, 20)
Rhys Meirion (9/17, 19)

Marguerite (Soprano):
Deborah Wai Kapoche (9/16, 18, 20)
Melody Alesi (9/17, 19)

Mephistopheles (Bass):
Hye-soo Sonn (9/16, 18, 20)
Ethan Herschenfeld (9/17, 19)

Valentin (Baritone) : Chenye Yuan

Siebel (Mezzo Soprano) :
Joëlle Fleury (9/16, 18)
Melody Sze (9/17, 19, 20)

Wagner (Bass): Pong Chung Lam

Marthe (Soprano): Pancy Wong

Bishop: Peter Jordan

The aged philosopher-scientist Faust sits in his study lamenting his wasted life. Twice he resolved to put on end to it by taking poison, and twice his hand is stayed by the sound of Easter merrymakers singing outside. Tarmented, he summons the devil and Mephistopheles appears before him. Faust reveals his longing for youth and pleasure to Mephistopheles, who assures him they can be his � if he will sell his soul. When the philosopher hesitates, the evil conjures up a vision of Marguerite. Enchanted, Faust agrees to the bargain, drinks a potion, and is transformed into a young man.

Act II

A Kermesse or town fair is in progress. Valentin a young officer in the army, admires a medallion given him by his sister, Margarite, to whom he sings a touching farewell. A students� chorus is interrupted by Mephistopheles, who offers an impudent song in praise of greed and gold. He infuriates Valentin wit an insulting toast to Marguerite. Valentin draws his sword, prompting the others to ward off evil by holding their sword handles like crosses before Mephistopheles. As the crowd joins in a waltz, Faust enters. He meets Marguerite on her way toward church, but she declines his offer to escort her.

Siebel, a young student infatuated with Marguerite, brings flowers to her, hoping that she may learn his devotion. Faust, guided by Mephistopheles., serenades Marguerite’s dwelling. With the devil's help he leaves a casket of jewels to win Marguerite. The two men withdraw as she enters and seats herself in the garden, singing a ballad for her own pleasure. She interrupts the verses with reflections on the handsome stranger who had spoken to her. When she discovers the jewel casket she exclaims with delight, seeing herself decked in the precious gems. As night falls, Faust approaches and declares his love for Marguerite. She admits that she reciprocates his feelings, yet, still overcome with maidenly scruple, begs him to leave. He agrees but is urged to return by Mephistopheles, who laughs contemptuously as Marguerite yields to Faust's embrace.

Marguerite, oppressed with fear over her guilty love, seeks refuges in church, pursued by the relentless Mephistopheles, who curses her and torments her with damnation. In the square of the city, Valentin and his fellow soldiers return from the battlefield singing of the glory of those slain in combat. Valentin questions Siebel concerning Marguerite, but the youth replies evasively. Valentin’s fears are realized when Mephistopheles arrives with Faust and serenades Marguerite with an improper song, which drives the brother to defend her honour. He fights a duel with Faust who, under the protection of Mephistopheles, wounds him fatally. Valentin curses Marguertie for all to hear, swearing that he dies by her hand alone.

Act V

Marguerite in prison, condemned to die for the murder of her illegitimate child. Faust and Mephistopheles arrive, intending to lead her away. At first the distracted girl is overjoyed to see her lover. She refuses to leave and keeps recalling their first meetings. But when she sees Mephistopheles she calls on the angels to save her. As she dies, Mephistopheles pronounces her condemned, but angelic choirs are heard to proclaim her salvation. Heavenly radiance transforms the cell as Marguerite's should enters heaven.