While you may not think you know ‘Au fond du temple saint’, we guarantee you’ll have heard it before. One of the most recognisable tunes in opera, this famous friendship duet is sung by the tenor (Nico Darmanin) and baritone (Quirijn de Lang) who play Nadir and Zurga, two male friends whose relationship is put to the test when both become entranced by the priestess Leïla (Sophia Theodorides).
Thanks to its beauty and power, the duet was chosen by Peter Weir for the film Gallipoli when two young Australian soldiers swear fidelity to their friendship until death – and it was even performed at the composer’s own funeral service.