the Nouvel Opéra Fribourg (NOF) and the Théâtre de l'Athénée (Paris) offers the opera its Swiss and Paris premiere. Roles Synopsis The following synopsis is in accordance with the Royal Opera House production, 2016. Time: The present Act 1 Algernon Moncrieff's flat in London Algernon is playing his own variations on Auld Lang Syne on the piano while his butler prepares afternoon tea. John "Jack" Worthing, whom Algernon knows as Ernest, arrives. 'Ernest' has come from the country to propose to Algernon's cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax. Algernon, however, refuses his consent until 'Ernest' explains why his cigarette case bears the inscription "From little Cecily, with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack." 'Ernest' is forced to admit to living a double life. In the country, he assumes a serious attitude for the benefit of his young ward Cecily, goes by the name of John or Jack, and pretends that he has a wastrel younger brother named Ernest in London. In the city, meanwhile, he assumes the identity of the libertine Ernest. Algernon confesses to a similar deception: he pretends to have an invalid friend named Bunbury in the country, whom he can "visit" whenever he wishes to avoid an unwelcome social obligation. Gwendolen and her formidable mother Lady Bracknell (sung by a male bass) call on Algernon. Asserting the superiority of German music over French, Lady Bracknell gives a rendition of Friedrich Schiller's Ode to Joy. Jack proposes to Gwendolen. She accepts, but seems to love him mostly because of his professed name of Ernest. Jack resolves to himself that he will be rechristened "Ernest". Lady Bracknell interviews Jack to assess his worthiness as a suitor for Gwendolen. Horrified to learn that Jack was adopted after being discovered as a baby in a handbag at Victoria Station, she forbids him further contact with her daughter. Gwendolen manages to secretly promise Jack her undying love. As Jack gives her his address in the country, Algernon surreptitiously notes it. Act 2 The garden of John Worthing's estate Cecily is studying with her governess, Miss Prism, who extols the German language, also giving a rendition of the Ode to Joy. Algernon arrives, pretending to be Ernest Worthing, and soon charms Cecily. Long fascinated by her Uncle Jack's mysterious black sheep brother, she is predisposed to fall for Algernon in his role of Ernest (a name she, like Gwendolen, is apparently particularly fond of).