Few lovers have touched and inspired people as much as Romeo and Juliet since their creation: William Shakespeare's story is synonymous with love and has inspired countless artists. One of the most sensual realisations is probably the opera by Charles Gounod, which celebrated its premiere yesterday, Friday.

French director Marie-Eve Signeyrole uses cinematic means to transpose the action to the glamorous Hollywood film world of the 1990s. The entire ensemble, led by Mélissa Petit as Juliet and Julien Behr as Roméo, received great acclaim. Also taking part are Daniel Mirosław, Leon Košavić, Svetlina Stoyanova, Brett Polegato, Brian Michael Moore, Carole Wilson, Alexander Teliga, Andrew Hamilton, Timothy Connor and Adrian Autard. Kirill Karabits and the Arnold Schoenberg Chor conducted the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien.

Roméo et Juliette can be seen until 5 March.