Véronique Gens's talent as a storyteller needs no introduction; she is an eminent ambassador for French mélodie and tragédie lyrique around the world. "Make us laugh!" says this sparkling programme, devised in collaboration with the Palazzetto Bru Zane. "Les Divas d'Offenbach" presents all the facets of the prolific Jacques Offenbach – operetta, opéra-bouffe, fairy tales and opéra-comique – his famous arias from La Belle Hélène, La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein and La Périchole, as well as previously unreleased works recorded here for the first time. There are sections from major works that were not included in the final version as well as rarities from incidental music such as Valéria, Le Roman comique, Geneviève de Brabant and La Boulangère a des écus, a work that is practically never performed today but which enjoyed great success in the 19th century. Gens's long-time collaborator Hervé Niquet conducts the Chœur et Orchestre National des Pays de la Loire with style and passion.