Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Capacity 1905 seats
Lully's Alceste at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Until February 1, 2024
French with surtitles in English
Location
Duration
3 hours
With intermission
Details
Concert Opera
For all audiences
In French with English and French surtitles
Highlights: Lully's Alceste at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
An opera of intrigue... On the evening of the first Paris performance of Alceste, the enemies of Lully present in the auditorium gave no applause whatsoever, and the critics went mad. But the work was finally recognised for its worth. This lyrical tragedy in five acts and a prologue brings together four characters from Greek tragedy: Alcestis, daughter of Pelias, King of Iolcos in Thessaly; Lycomedes, King of Scyros; Alcide, another name for Hercules or Heracles; and Admetus, Alcide's friend and King of Thessaly.
Lully's music in Alceste is emblematic of the French Baroque style, with solemn arias, rousing dances and majestic choruses. The opera is also known for its innovative use of lyric tragedy, blending music, dance, and drama harmoniously.
Alceste helped establish Lully as one of the most important composers of his time.
At the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Alceste is played by the great French soprano Véronique Gens. She is joined by tenor Cyril Auvity as Admète, bass Luigi Di Donato, and bass-baritone Luc Bertin-Hugault.
The crème de la crème of operas in concert version.
Story: Lully's Alceste at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Experience the grandeur and tragedy of Lully's masterpiece, Alceste, as this French baroque opera takes you on a journey through the mythological world of Ancient Greece. Here, King Admète faces the ultimate sacrifice: offering his own life to save his beloved Alceste. Lully's majestic music, characterized by its ornate melodies and intricate harmonies, brings to life the characters’ emotional turmoil and their heroic acts. With its timeless themes of love, devotion, and selflessness, Alceste captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling and enchanting music, showcasing the pinnacle of French opera during the Baroque era.
Reviews
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Hosting one of the most lavishing concert halls in all of Paris, Champs- Élysées is the true definition of architectural beauty with its historic foundation. Inaugurated on April 2nd, 1913, the structure is quite large comprising three auditoriums: Théâtre des Champs- Élysées, The Comédie des Champs- Élysées, Studio des Champs- Élysées, and a restaurant. The main theatre which has 1905 seats is Italian styled and originally constructed to host guests visiting the theatre to watch opera shows and concerts. This was the first theatre in Paris to be built completely from reinforced concrete instead of steel.
Over the years the famed theatre has hosted many recognized artists such as the beautiful cabaret dancer Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, and many other entertainers from our cherished olden day era. In 2005 the main room in the theatre was renovated in order to improve the acoustics, it is confirmed that during a show the sounds are very clear, almost as if you were up close to the stage. Théâtre des Champs- Élysées is one of the most frequently visited monuments in Paris, on an annual basis more than 300,000 people attend programs from contemporary dance and ballet recitals to orchestras, operas, and other concerts. Carrying a number of diverse performances of different genres, the theatre attracts audience members of all ages.
Quick facts:
Capacity: 1,905
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
FAQ
How do I get to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris?
The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is accessible by: Metro lines: The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées can be reached by metro lines 1 and 9 at the metro stations Franklin D. Roosevelt and Alma Marceau. RER subway lines: The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is accessible by RER C which runs to the station Pont de l’Alma. Bus lines: The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is accessible by the bus lines 42, 63, 72, 80 and 92, which stop at the stations Pierre Charron - François 1ᵉʳ and George V. In case of difficulty, our hotline can be reached during our business hours. Please see the footer of this page for our contact details.
What do I do when I get to théâtre des Champs-Élysées?
We recommend that you arrive at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées at least 15 minutes before the start Lully's Alceste, though the theatre doors will open 30 minutes before the performance, except in exceptional circumstances. Show your ticket at the reception and the staff will take care of you.
Can I take photos during Alceste?
In order not to disturb the artists on stage, and for the comfort of other guests, you are not permitted to photograph, film, or record the performance for the duration of Lully's Alceste. However, you can take photos of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées before and after the performance as a souvenir of your gorgeous Parisian evening!
How long does Jean-Baptiste Lully’s <i>Alceste</i> last?
Jean-Baptiste Lully’s Alceste lasts approximately 3 hours, with intermission.
Is there a dress code at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?
No, there is no particular dress code. However, it is always recommended to wear proper attire. Parisians typically attend a concert after work and will wear business casual-style clothing.
Is Alceste for an international audience or French speakers?
Both! The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 30 years. Alceste is sung in its original French version with surtitles in both French and English, provided for audiences to appreciate this piece in one of France’s most iconic venues.
Where will I be seated, and will I see the surtitles for Alceste properly?
There are a maximum of four categories available for Alceste. The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has an Italian-style auditorium, i.e. in the shape of a horseshoe. The surtitles are on both sides of the stage. Seats in categories 1, 2 and 3 give a good view of the stage and the surtitles. Category 4, on the other hand, offers reduced visibility.
Is there a coat check available at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has two cloakrooms located on the following floors: the Orchestra level and the first Balcony level. There is a €2 charge for this service. Large bags, suitcases, and musical instruments are not allowed inside the theatre.
Is tipping customary at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?
Tips are not accepted at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.
If I'm late, will I still be allowed into the show?
This depends on the delay. The auditorium doors close as soon as the performance begins. The first latecomers are placed in late boxes with a limited number of seats.
Those who arrive later will be allowed to watch the performance from the screens located outside of the auditorium, around the perimeter of the Orchestra and will be allowed to their seats during the intermission (if there is one).
How do I know if my seats are next to each other?
Tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.