Lakme is an opera in three acts by Leo Delibes to a French libretto by Edmond Gondinet and Philippe Gille, based on an 1880 novel by Pierre Loti. The subject of the opera was suggested by Gondinet as a vehicle for the American soprano Marie van Zandt. Delibes wrote the score during 1881-82. Like many other French operas of the late 19th century, Lakme captures the ambience of the Orient that was in vogue during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The famous vocal duet from the opera is arranged for orchestra.