The Nightingale / The Breasts of Tiresias at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées - Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Location

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

Duration

2h30min

With intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French with French and English surtitles

Highlights: The Nightingale / The Breasts of Tiresias at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Under the musical direction of François-Xavier Roth and artistic direction of Olivier Py, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées offers two operas on the same evening. One being The Nightingale, an opera by the Russian composer, Igor Stravinski, featuring actors such as Sabine Devieilhe (Le Rossignol), Cyrille Dubois (Le Pêcheur / A Japanese Emissary), Chantal Santon Jeffery (La Cuisinière), Laurent Naouri (Le Chambellan), Victor Sicard (Le Bonze), Rodolphe Briand, Francesco Salvadori (Two Japanese emissaries), Jean-Sébastien Bou (The Emperor of China), Lucile Richardot (Death).

Secondly, The Breasts of Tiresias, written by French composer Francis Poulenc featuring actors such as Sabine Devieilhe (Thérèse-Tirésias / The Cartomancer), Laurent Naouri (The Theater Director), Jean-Sébastien Bou (The Husband of Thérèse), Victor Sicard (The Gendarme), Cyrille Dubois (The Parisian Journalist / Monsieur Lacouf), Rodolphe Briand (The Son / A Fat Lady), Chantal Santon Jeffery (An Elegant Lady), Lucile Richardot (The Newsagent), Francesco Salvadori (Monsieur Presto).

Story: The Nightingale / The Breasts of Tiresias at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

At the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the public will be able to discover two little operatic jewels joyfully set to music by two exceptional composers. Poulenc creatively put together his work, The Breasts of Tiresias, with a decidedly surreal and even cartoonish plot. The action takes place in Zanzibar, a city between Nice and Monte-Carlo. The music is full of references and nods to other famous composers such as Erik Satie, Chabrier, Georges Auric, and Darius Milhaud.

With regards to the beautiful opera by Stravinsky, the action of The Nightingale takes place in China and brings together a fisherman, a nightingale, a cook, a chamberlain, the Emperor of China, Japanese emissaries, and the ever-looming inevitability of life – death. Savor the orchestration, the rigor of the composition, and the very personal style of the composer. Furthermore, you will really want to heed the warning of the fisherman in the aria "The Nightingale Song" at the end of the opera. We won’t say more!

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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 to get to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is accessible by:
Metro lines: You can take line 9 to Alma-Marceau, or line 1 to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
RER: You can take the RER C to Pont de l'Alma.
Bus lines: You can take the bus to the Alma-Marceau stop served by lines 42, 63, 72, 80 and 92.
Our customer service can be reached in case of difficulty from 10 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday. For more information, please consult the map above.

What should I do when I arrive at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

We recommend that you arrive at least 15 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 at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

No, there is no specific dress code, however, proper attire is always.

Can I take pictures during the opera?

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-Élysées before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous Parisian evening!

Is it mandatory to tip the ushers at Théâtre des Champs-Élysées?

Each spectator is greeted in the theatre by an usher who will take them to their seat. As is customary at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, the ushers may ask for a tip, which you may give if you wish. It is in no way obligatory.