Thais, The (Ron Collins)

"Thais" is an opera composed by Jules Massenet, first performed in 1894. It is based on a novel by Anatole France and tells the story of Thais, a beautiful courtesan in ancient Egypt, and Athanaël, a monk who seeks to save her soul. The opera explores themes of love, redemption, and the conflict between spiritual and earthly desires. One of its most famous pieces is the "Meditation," a violin intermezzo that reflects deep emotional currents. Ron Collins is a contemporary figure associated with the opera scene, possibly as a performer, director, or scholar, though specific details about him would require more context.