Felix Mendelssohn : Symphony No. 2 Lobgesang - Royal Chapel of Versailles

Location

Royal Chapel of Versailles
1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 800 seats

Duration

1h 20m

No intermission

Details

Classical concert

For all audiences

No dialogue

Highlights: Felix Mendelssohn : Symphony No. 2 Lobgesang

"The enthusiasm and fervor were such that whispers could be heard throughout the concert hall.” This was the ear-witness testimony that another great German composer, Robert Schumann, gave after attending the première of Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 2. Entitled Lobgesang (meaning “Hymn of Praise”), the symphony was first performed in Leipzig in 1840.

This symphony for orchestra, soloists, and a choir is a tribute to Beethoven's 9th symphony. It was composed to mark the 400th anniversary of Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. There could be no better setting for this piece steeped in history than the true cathedral of sound that is the sumptuous Royal Chapel of Versailles.

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Story: Felix Mendelssohn : Symphony No. 2 Lobgesang

All the romanticism of Felix Mendelssohn's music is crystallized in his Symphony No. 2, Lobgesang. Composed for soloists, choir, organ and orchestra, this work echoes the form of Beethoven's 9th Symphony with three orchestral movements and a fourth consisting of two solos (soprano and tenor) and a choir. The text is composed of excerpts from the Bible and poems written especially for the symphony. Let your mind wander as you listen to Mendelssohn’s lilting melodies in the astonishing acoustics of the Royal Chapel.

Premium experience & option

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This offer includes a glass of champagne and a printed programme, as well as exclusive access to the best two seating categories.

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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!

Fast facts
Capacity: 800
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

FAQ

How do I get to the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

You may access the Royal Chapel of Versailles by taking the RER C at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, by using lines N and U of the Transilien at Versailles Chantiers station, or by line L at Versailles Rive Droite station. The Royal Chapel of Versailles is also accessible by bus line 171. The chapel 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 on weekdays from 10 am to 7 pm.

What do I do when I get to the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of Symphony No. 2 Lobgesang from Mendelssohn. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during the concert?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Symphony No.2 Lobgesang from Mendelssohn. However, you can take photos of the Royal Chapel before and after the performance to remember your gorgeous Parisian evening!

How long does the Mendelssohn’s Symphony No.2 last?

The Symphony No.2 Lobgesang lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, with no intermission.

Is tipping customary at the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

Each spectator is greeted in the hall by an usher who will lead them to the seat. According to custom at the Royal Chapel of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.