The Pearl Fishers: Santa Fe Opera Leila: Act II Aria

Angry villagers discover the fleeing Nadir and demand his death along with that of the veiled, unrecognized Leïla. But Zurga reminds them that only their king can determine the lovers’ fate. He orders that their lives be spared, surreptitiously urging them to escape the now-hostile village. His mercy turns to rage as Nourabad removes Leïla’s veil, revealing Nadir’s betrayal. He sentences the lovers to death as they appeal to the god Brahma for protection.