Royal Chapel of Versailles
1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 800 seats
Concert Series at the Royal Chapel of Versailles
Royal Chapel of Versailles
Show ended
100% in English or 100% in French
Location
Duration
Between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes
With or without intermission
Details
Classical music concert
Recommended for all ages
In French, English, German or Italian
Highlights: Concert Series at the Royal Chapel of Versailles
Immerse yourself into the beauty of baroque music with this series of concerts staged at the Royal Chapel of the Palace of Versailles. Throughout the season, you have a unique chance to hear the most famous motets, oratorios and requiems by Bach, Charpentier, Handel and Vivaldi under the direction of Hervé Niquet, Valentin Tournet, Stéphane Fuget and many others.
To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose from a selection of unique add-ons upon booking, such as a glass of champagne and an exclusive programme. See below for more details.
Story: Concert Series at the Royal Chapel of Versailles
When Louis XIV was in power, he wanted the music played at the Chapelle Royale to become the most beautiful religious music in Europe. With this sublime series of concerts, the King's wishes will come true! Handel's Messiah, Bach's Magnificat, Clérembault's greatest motets and Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, are only some of the few works that will enchant the Royal Chapel during this magnificent season. The great organ of the Royal Chapel, on which Mozart and François Couperin played, will resound once again with Vivaldi's sublime repertoire.
These works will be performed by famous soloists, such as Marie Perbost, Samuel Mariño, Mathias Vidal, Pygmalion and Correspondances ensembles.
Premium Options & Experiences
Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose one of the following upgraded offers at the time of booking:
Champagne + Programme + Show
This offer includes a glass of champagne and a printed programme, as well as exclusive access to the best two seating categories.
Concert Program
Friday, March 11th 2022 at 8 p.m.
Bach : Nativité - Cantates de l'Avent
Julian Prégardien (evangéliste), Huw Montague Rendall (Jesus), Ying Fang (soprano), Sara Mingardo (alto), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Christian Immler (bass), Pygmalion (choir and orchestra) Raphaël Pichon (director)
Saturday, March 12th 2022 at 8 p.m.
Bach : Passion - Passion selon saint-Jean
Julian Prégardien (evangéliste), Huw Montague Rendall (Jesus), Ying Fang (soprano), Sara Mingardo (alto), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Christian Immler (bass), Pygmalion (choir and orchestra) Raphaël Pichon (director)
Sunday, March 20th 2022 at 4 p.m.
Lully : Grands Motets - Benedictus
Claire Lefilliâtre, Victoire Bunel (dessus), Cyril Auvity, Clément Debieuvre, Serge Goubioud (countertenor), Marc Mauillon (taille), Benoît Arnould (bass-taille), Geoffroy Buffière, Renaud Delaigue (bass), Les Epopées, Stéphane Fuget (direction)
Friday, April 15th 2022 at 8 p.m.
Couperin : Leçons de Ténèbres
Sophie Junker and Florie Valiquette (sopranos), Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal, Stéphane Fuget (director)
Saturday, April 16th 2022 at 7 p.m.
Pergolèse/Vivaldi : Stabat Materfor two castrati
Samuel Mariño (sopraniste), Filippo Mineccia (countertenor), Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal, Marie Van Rhijn (organ and director)
Saturday, April 23rd 2022 at 7 p.m.
Concert-commémoration du génocide arménien
Chouchane Siranossian (violon), Astrig Siranossian (cello), Nathanael Gouin (piano), Narek Kazazyan (kanun), Levon Chatikyan (duduk)
Reviews
Royal Chapel of Versailles
1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles
The Royal Chapel of Versailles
If buildings could talk, what would they say? Certainly, the Royal Chapel of Versailles could tell a tale or two! After all, it was the venue for the marriage between the last king and queen of France: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The chapel’s construction was completed in 1710 during the reign of Louis XVI’s great-great-great-grandfather, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. It was the fifth and final chapel to be built at the Palace of Versailles, and it was consecrated to Saint Louis, the patron saint of the king, as well as one of the king’s ancestors.
The architecture itself references this lineage, through several similarities with the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, which Saint Louis had founded, as well as in the emblazoned double-L motif on the altar symbolizing the saint, and the Sun King together. The vaulted ceiling of the Royal Chapel of Versailles was constructed by Hardouin-Mansart, without the use of transvers ribs, in order to create a vast, uninterrupted depiction of the Holy Trinity, above the heads of the congregation. For decades, this painting would look down on the French Royal Family as they took their daily mass, an event which became renowned across Europe for its use of music, played on a huge organ designed by Cliquot.
The Royal Chapel of Versailles also incorporates classical-inspired designs in its impressive colonnades, which we have come to associate with the Neoclassical boom of the 18th century, however, the chapel’s construction was completed long before the movement really came to prominence, showing that its architects were truly ahead of their time. Since the chapel’s deconsecration in the 19th century, it has become a go-to venue for classical concerts, and so it should be, having been the epicenter of European music in centuries gone by. What better place to experience the history of music!
En quelques mots
Capacity: 800
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
FAQ
How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?
You may access the Royal Opera of Versailles by RER C at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, by using lines N and U of the Transilien at Versailles Chantiers station and also by line L at Versailles Rive Droite station.
The Opera is also accessible by bus line 171.
The Royal Opera is located on the grounds of the Castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the Cour d'honneur, near the Royal Chapel).
For more information, please see the map above.
In case of any difficulty, you may contact our customer service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
What should I do when I arrive at Royal Opera of Versailles?
We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of the show. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.
Is there a dress code?
There is no specific dress code, however, proper clothing is required. For the gala evenings, we suggest men to wear a suit and ladies to wear a dress.
Can I take pictures during the performance?
In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during the performance. However, you can take photos of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous Parisian evening!
Is it mandatory to tip a usher?
Each spectator is greeted in the hall by an usher who will lead them to the seat. According to custom at the Opéra Royal of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.
How long does the performance last?
The performance lasts between 1 hour and 2 hours and 30 minutes.
I bought a premium ticket for a concert at the Royal Chapel of Versailles and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?
Yes, it’s completely normal! Your order will first be created as a pre-booking so that the Royal Chapel of Versailles can assign your seat. You may see a pre-payment on your card, but rest assured that we will not charge your card until your reservation has been validated by the Royal Chapel of Versailles. Once the reservation is validated, you will receive your ticket by e-mail. Due to the large number of requests that the Royal Chapel of Versailles has to manage, this process usually takes two days, but can take up to six days maximum. After six days if your order has not been validated, it will be canceled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.
Covid-19 Information
Specific measures and obligations may apply to this show. Before making your reservation, please check the updated information on our Covid-19 page: https://www.theatreinparis.com/en/page/covid-19