La Voix humaine - Point d'orgue - Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Location

Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Capacity 1905 seats

Duration

2 hours

With intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French with French and English surtitles

Highlights: La Voix humaine and Point d’orgue

Two operas, two protagonists, combined for one powerful show. Unique and startling.

This is precisely what the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées proposes from 9 to 17 March 2026, by presenting La Voix Humaine by Francis Poulenc and Point d’orgue by Thierry Escaich in a single evening. Two works, two eras, yet a shared dramatic thread: that of a broken dialogue… perhaps on the verge of being restored.

La Voix Humaine, Francis Poulenc’s lyrical masterpiece inspired by Jean Cocteau, gives voice to “Elle”, a woman alone on the telephone, abandoned by the man she loves. A heart-rending monologue, taut with emotion, where the personal becomes theatrical—brought to life here by the expressive power and sensitivity of Patricia Petibon.

Point d’orgue, composed by Thierry Escaich to a libretto by Olivier Py, imagines the response of “Lui”, the other side of this fractured couple. This contemporary opera, premiered in 2021, extends the pain, the doubt and the memory, in a musical language that is intense, hypnotic and sensuous. Jean-Sébastien Bou and Cyrille Dubois give voice with nuance to this haunted, multifaceted male perspective.

Under the baton of Ariane Matiakh and in a staging by Olivier Py, these exceptional evenings trace a moving trajectory—from silence to outcry, from rupture to resonance.

Two operas that together form a single, unique work—like a broken heart seeking to become whole again.

Next dates

Story: La Voix humaine and Point d’orgue

In the stunning pink and gold auditorium of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, two singular operas unfold to form a moving diptych: La Voix humaine by Francis Poulenc and Point d’orgue by Thierry Escaich. Two works, two confessions, two solitudes facing the absence of the other.

In La Voix humaine, inspired by Jean Cocteau, a woman (Elle) speaks on the telephone with the man who has just left her. This poignant monologue, carried by Poulenc’s sensitive and heart-wrenching music, explores every nuance of romantic despair. Patricia Petibon lends her voice and dramatic intensity to this emotionally raw role, where feeling surfaces with every word.

With Point d’orgue, Thierry Escaich imagines what “Lui” might say in response. Loosely inspired by the earlier work, this second opera gives voice to the man, haunted by his decision, his cowardice, his regrets. Jean-Sébastien Bou and Cyrille Dubois bring to life, through an entrancing contemporary score, the contradictory flashes of a troubled male conscience.

Two mirror operas, two intimate confessions which, when placed side by side, create rare dramatic tension and visceral emotion. A unique operatic evening that will resonate through every corner of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

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Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the 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.

Fast facts
Capacity: 1,905
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (paid service)

Theatre des Champs-Élysees ceiling ©Hartl Meyer

Theatre des Champs-Élysees stairs ©Hartl Meyer

Theatre des Champs-Élysees façade ©Hartl Meyer

Theatre des Champs-Élysees view from seats Wkimedia

Theatre des Champs-Élysees full house ©Hartl Meyer

Theatre des Champs-Élysées painted ceiling Wikimedia

Theatre des Champs-Élysées plan de salle seating plan

FAQ

How do I get to Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris?

The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is accessible by:
Metro: Line 1 (station Franklin D. Roosevelt), line 9 (station Franklin D. Roosevelt and Alma Marceau)
RER: Line C (station Pont de l’Alma)
Address: 15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
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 invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of La Voix humaine and Point d’orgue at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and present your voucher at the front desk. Théâtre des Champs-Élysées’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
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 have to wait for the interval (if there is one), watching the broadcast of the performance on screens located around the perimeter of the Orchestra, in order to get back to their seats.

How long does La Voix humaine and Point d'orgue at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées last?

The evening with the operas, La Voix humaine and Point d'orgue, at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées lasts around 2 hours, with an interval.

Are the two operas, La Voix humaine and Point d'orgue for an international audience or French speakers?

For both! The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for 30 years. La Voix humaine and Point d'orgue, are sung in their original French version. Surtitles are provided in both French and English so that international audiences can appreciate this opera in this incredible Parisian venue.

Where will I be seated, and will I see the surtitles* properly?

At Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, there are a maximum of four categories available for La Voix humaine and Point d'orgue. The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has an Italian-style auditorium, i.e. in the shape of a horseshoe. The surtitles are projected 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.
You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French “sur” means “above”. At Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the text is projected on the sides of the auditorium.

Can I choose my seat when booking?

When purchasing tickets, choose your preferred category and you will be allocated the best available seats in that category!
Please note that 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.
You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

Is there a dress code at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

There is no specific dress code at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.