Orfeo ed Euridice - Royal Opera of Versailles

Location

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

Duration

1 h 40 min

Without intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French with English and French subtitles

Highlights: Orfeo ed Euridice

You may not have known it, but there are four versions of Orfeo ed Euridice, the thirtieth creation by the composer and great reformer of opera, Christoph Willibald Gluck.

The original Viennese version, in Italian, in which the male title role is given to a contralto castrato.

The Parma version, again in Italian and reorganised into a single act.
The Paris version, in French, modified and expanded by Gluck himself, in which the title role is sung by a countertenor.
And finally, the version arranged by Berlioz in the nineteenth century, in which the title role is sung by a mezzo-soprano, the version now on offer at the Royal Opera of Versailles.

We are delighted to welcome back the delightful mezzo-soprano voice of Marie-Claude Chappuis in the role of Orfeo and the beautiful soprano voice of Mirella Hagen in the role of Euridice.
The Colleguim 1704 choir will perform the part of the Demons and Furies in the famous Underworld act, while the Collegium 1704 orchestra will thrill you under the baton of Václav Luks.

See details for our premium option below!

Story: Orfeo ed Euridice

Christoph Willibald Gluck's 18th-century masterpiece Orfeo ed Euridice tells a profound and emotional mythological story in three acts. The plot revolves around Orfeo (Orpheus), a talented musician inconsolable after the death of his beloved, Euridice (Eurydice). Driven by insurmountable grief, Orfeo decides to descend into the Underworld to bring her back to life.

In the Underworld, Orfeo succeeds in moving the gods with the beauty of his music and obtains permission to bring Euridice back on condition that he does not look at her before leaving the realm of the dead. Orfeo reluctantly agrees, but his curiosity finally prompts him to look back at Euridice before leaving. This disobedience leads to the final loss of Euridice.

Gluck's music is imbued with pure emotion, expressing Orfeo’s despair, joy at his momentary triumph and the tragedy of his ultimate loss. A timeless work, Orfeo ed Euridice continues to captivate audiences with the beauty and grace of its music, but also with its depiction of human tragedy.

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 Orfeo ed Euridice. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during Orfeo ed Euridice?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Orfeo ed Euridice. 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 Orfeo and Euridice last?

Orfeo ed Euridice by Gluck and Berlioz lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, without intermission.

Is Orfeo ed Euridice for an international audience or French speakers?

For both! Orfeo ed Euridice is sung in its French version with French and English surtitles so all opera-lovers can enjoy this magnificent opera in the sumptuous Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Orfeo ed Euridice 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 e-mail.
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 castle, 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).