Monteverdi's Orfeo - Royal Opera of Versailles

Location

Royal Opera of Versailles
4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 750 seats

Duration

2 hours

No intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In Italian with French and English surtitles

Highlights: Monteverdi's Orfeo

Let it be noted…This is a major event.
The Versailles’ Royal Opera brings you Claudio Monteverdi's L'Orfeo under the direction of the great conductor and specialist in early music, Jordi Savall.

Come and enjoy the splendour of this favola in musica in a prologue and five acts with Le Concert des Nations. This orchestra specialises in the interpretation of baroque music and, since its creation in 1989 by Jordi Savall, has earned a worldwide reputation for its musical excellence and its contribution to the preservation of the classical repertoire. This performance promises to be an exceptional experience like no other!

L'Orfeo, created in 1607 by Claudio Monteverdi, is a masterpiece of Baroque opera and one of the first operas in history and director Pauline Bayle's vision is full of expressive poetry.

See details for our premium option below!

Next dates

Story: Monteverdi's Orfeo

Based on Greek mythology, L'Orfeo tells the story of Orpheus, a musician who attempts to bring his beloved Eurydice back from the afterlife with his spellbinding music. The work is a masterful blend of recitative, aria and chorus, marking an important development in the history of opera.

Monteverdi uses expressive harmonies and emotional melodies to make this drama utterly poignant. A milestone in the history of music, this opera gives a new form to the meeting of theatre and music, and introduces new musical and dramatic ideas that will influence the art of opera for centuries to come.

Discovering Monteverdi's L'Orfeo is the pleasure of hearing the first opera in history. A pleasure not just for the initiated! A pleasure to be savoured by all that desire in the beautiful hall of the Versailles’ Royal Opera.

Premium Option & Experience

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience unforgettable, choose our premium option 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 seating category.

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Royal Opera of Versailles

4 avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles

The Royal Opera of Versailles

Categorized as one of the largest performance halls in Europe during its inauguration in 1770 requested by Louis XV, it is presently still admired as one of the grand luxurious stages in Paris due to its lavishing décor composed of early-century design. The ceiling above the room comprises an exquisite form of art, something similar to what you would see in the Sistine Chapel in Rome.

Opéra Royal was no ordinary room, it was prestigious among wealthy individuals who fancied theater. Hosting 1,500 people, only a specific number of guests were invited to view the best shows in Paris at the esteemed Versailles palace. Later the room was also used as a ballroom and a banquet hall.

After the revolution the Opéra Royal room was left whole but stripped of its 18th-century embellishment. Altering its original appearance, the room is renovated for official shows such as the opening of the Versailles museum in 1837. Renovated and inaugurated once again in 1957 after the Second World War by orders of architect André Japy, the room undertook a whole new look. In 2009 Opéra Royal opened its doors to spectators from all over the world and began to display an array of enlightened shows such as contemporary dance, ballet recitals, opera, and classical music concerts. Presently it offers more than 100 performances per season in its golden room occupied with ostentatious chandeliers, surrounded by red velvet seating.

Fast facts
Capacity: 750
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

FAQ

How do I get to the Royal Opera of Versailles?

Royal Opera of Versailles is accessible by:
RER lines: The Royal Opera of Versailles can be reached by taking the RER C to Versailles Château Rive Gauche station which is the closest station to the castle. From this station the castle is a 10-minute walk.
Transilien lines: The Royal Opera of Versailles is accessible by Transilien lines N and U from Versailles Chantiers station and by line L from Versailles Rive Droite station. From this station the castle is a 25-minute walk.
Bus lines: The Royal Opera of Versailles is accessible by bus line 171 from the metro station, Pont de Sèvres (metro line 9).
The Royal Opera of Versailles is located within the Versailles Castle. To get there, follow the signs for Entrance B at the top right of the Cour d'Honneur.
We invite you to consult the map above for directions. 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 the Royal Opera of Versailles?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of Monteverdi’s opera, L’Orfeo. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Monteverdi’s opera, L’Orfeo. However, you can take photos of the Royal Opera of Versailles before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous Parisian evening!

How long does Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo last?

Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo lasts approximately 2 hours, with no intermission.

Is Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo for an international audience or French speakers?

Pour les deux ! The Royal Opera of Versailles welcomes audiences from all over the world. Monteverdi's L’Orfeo is sung in its original Italian version, with surtitles in French and English, so that any audience member can enjoy this splendid musical work.

Is there a specific dress code at the Royal Opera of Versailles?

There is no specific dress code at the Royal Opera of Versailles, however, proper clothing is required. For the gala evenings, we suggest that men wear a suit and ladies wear a dress.

Is tipping customary at the Royal Opera 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 Opera of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.

I bought premium tickets for Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo 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 Opera 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 Opera of Versailles. Once the reservation is validated, you will receive your ticket by email.
Due to the large number of requests that the Royal Opera 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 cancelled, the pre-charge will disappear, and you will not be charged.

Is there a coat check available at the Versailles Castle?

In application of the Vigipirate plan, suitcases and large bags are prohibited on the Versailles estate (various gates in the Château, park, and gardens).

A number of automatic lockers are available at information points, where you can leave your personal belongings and luggage smaller than cabin size (46x43x26 cm maximum).