Zingarelli's Romeo and Juliet

Royal Opera of Versailles

Show ended

Other languages with surtitles

Book now From 108€/person

Location

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

Duration

2 h 15 min

With intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In Italian with French and English surtitles

Highlights: Zingarelli's Romeo and Juliet

What was Napoleon's taste in opera?

The answer lies in the opera Romeo et Juliette by the Italian composer Niccolò Antonio Zingarelli (1752-1837), performed at the Opéra Royal de Versailles.

In fact, Napoleon, the famous general, had an unsuspected taste for opera, particularly Italian opera, as shown by his keen interest in Romeo and Juliet. The imperial music lover harboured a deep passion for this art form, and was particularly fond of the performances of the Italian star, contralto Giuseppina Grassini, and the famous castrato, Girolamo Crescentini. The latter was the only one to move the Emperor to tears. Between 1806 and 1812, Crescentini, accompanied by Grassini as Première Cantatrice, set fire to the Imperial Chapel in the Tuileries.

Today, it is the great Argentinian countertenor Franco Fagioli who lends his voice to Romeo and the French mezzo-soprano Adèle Charvet who lends her voice to Juliette. No doubt Napoleon Bonaparte would have applauded this duet.

See details for our premium option below!

Story: Zingarelli's Romeo and Juliet

Come and discover the opera Romeo and Juliet by Zingarelli, a forgotten masterpiece reborn on the stage of the Opéra Royal de Versailles with two extraordinary singers.

This opera was glorified in Europe for three decades and then gradually fell into oblivion.
You will discover Napoleon's favourite opera, which shows his great taste for Italian opera. Zingarelli's elegant music is a virtuoso balance between baroque and melodic music. Zingarelli follows in the footsteps of Mozart and Haydn.

Don't hesitate, the Emperor's pleasures are just around the corner! We don't always get to hear what Napoleon liked.

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

History and Fun Facts about 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)

plan d'acces, access map, opera royal de versailles

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.
Tansilien 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 Château de Versailles. 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 Zingarelli’s Romeo and Juliet. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during Zingarelli’s Romeo and Juliet?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during Zingarelli’s Romeo and Juliet. 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 Zingarelli’s Romeo and Juliet last?

Zingarelli’s Romeo and Juliet lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with intermission.

Is Romeo and Juliet for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Royal Opera of Versailles has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for years. Zingarelli’s Romeo and Juliet is sung in its original version, and surtitles in both French and English are provided for audiences to appreciate in one of France’s most iconic venues.

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

There is no specific dress code at the Royal Opera House 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 House 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 Zingarelli’s Romeo et Juliet 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 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).