Francis Poulenc{u2019}s opera, {u201E}Dialogues des carmélites2, an open declaration of faith in traditional western spiritual values, is the only full{u2013}length opera which this French master composed. It is not to be wondered, therefore, that Poulenc here focuses in exemplary fashion on all the captivating elements of his tonal repertoire, drawing them together into a single whole: sensitive, delicately{u2013}felt music, moving tone poems, but no false sentiment. These elements are still what fascinate us, now as much as in 1999, the Poulenc centenary year, when this new production was first performed at the Opéra du Rhin in Strasbourg. The press was full of praise for it, particularly as the conductor, Jan Latham{u2013}Koenig, is an outstanding authority on French opera, and Anne{u2013}Sophie Schmidt, in the title role of Blanche, made the most of this work{u2019}s wonderfully rewarding moments for a lyrical soprano.