David and Jonathan - Royal Chapel of Versailles

Location

Royal Chapel of Versailles
1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles
Capacity 800 seats

Duration

2h 30min

With intermission

Details

Opera

For all audiences

In French surtitled in French

Highlights: David and Jonathan

The two characters of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's eponymous opera, David and Jonathan, are brought back to life on the majestic stage of the Royal Chapel in Versailles, only amplifying the grandiose sense of tragedy in this biblical epic. Come and see David and Jonathan under the direction of Gaétan Jarry and presented by the singers Reinoud Van Mechelen (countertenor) and Caroline Arnaud (soprano) in costumes by Christian Lacroix. Admire the cast, costumes, and sets in a dream setting... This staging by Marshall Pynkoski is sure to leave you with wonderful and lasting memories!

To make your experience unforgettable, with Theatre in Paris you can choose to include an exclusive offer, such as a glass of champagne and a program. See below for more information

Story: David and Jonathan

This biblical tragedy in five acts and a prologue by Charpentier will without a doubt have you questioning loyalty… David and Jonathan, although from rival families, are surprisingly close friends. Knowing this is the case, when Saul, the king of Israel and father of Jonathan, feels threatened by David's claim to the throne, he takes drastic measures to ensure his son's place at the head of Israel, setting the scene for a true test of family and friendship. Set against war, fear, betrayal, and a dramatic baroque soundtrack, David and Jonathan showcases a deep and devastating story that will turn you in your seats. A great public success during its debut in 1688 at the Collège Louis-le-Grand, David and Jonathan still remains a great story of biblical friendship to discover through Charpentier’s musical creativity!

Premium Option & Experience

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose this exclusive offer 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 two seating categories.

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Royal Chapel of Versailles

1 Place Léon Gambetta, 78000 Versailles

History and Fun Facts about the Royal Chapel of Versailles

If buildings could talk, what would they say? Certainly, the Royal Chapel of Versailles could tell a tale or two! After all, it was the venue for the marriage between the last king and queen of France: Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The chapel’s construction was completed in 1710 during the reign of Louis XVI’s great-great-great-grandfather, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. It was the fifth and final chapel to be built at the Palace of Versailles, and it was consecrated to Saint Louis, the patron saint of the king, as well as one of the king’s ancestors.

The architecture itself references this lineage, through several similarities with the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, which Saint Louis had founded, as well as in the emblazoned double-L motif on the altar symbolizing the saint, and the Sun King together. The vaulted ceiling of the Royal Chapel of Versailles was constructed by Hardouin-Mansart, without the use of transvers ribs, in order to create a vast, uninterrupted depiction of the Holy Trinity, above the heads of the congregation. For decades, this painting would look down on the French Royal Family as they took their daily mass, an event which became renowned across Europe for its use of music, played on a huge organ designed by Cliquot.

The Royal Chapel of Versailles also incorporates classical-inspired designs in its impressive colonnades, which we have come to associate with the Neoclassical boom of the 18th century, however, the chapel’s construction was completed long before the movement really came to prominence, showing that its architects were truly ahead of their time. Since the chapel’s deconsecration in the 19th century, it has become a go-to venue for classical concerts, and so it should be, having been the epicenter of European music in centuries gone by. What better place to experience the history of music!

Fast facts
Capacity: 800
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Air conditioning: No
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

plan d'access, access map, chapelle royale de versailles, royal chapel of versailles

FAQ

How do I get to the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

You may access the Royal Chapel of Versailles by RER C at Versailles Château Rive Gauche station, by using lines N and U of the Transilien at Versailles Chantiers station, and also by line L at Versailles Rive Droite station. The Chapel is also accessible by bus line 171. The Royal Chapel is located on the grounds of the Castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the Cour d'honneur). For more information, please see the map above. In case of any difficulty, you may contact our customer service from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.

What do I do when I get to the Royal Chapel of Versailles?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of David and Jonathan. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during David and Jonathan?

In order not to disturb the artists and for the comfort of other spectators, it is forbidden to take pictures during David and Jonathan. However, you can take photos of the Royal Chapel of Versailles before and after the performance, as a souvenir of your gorgeous Parisian evening!

How long does David and Jonathas last?

The opera, David and Jonathan, lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an intermission included.

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

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

Is the opera, David and Jonathan, for travelers or French people?

David and Jonathan is performed in French with French subtitles, but the beauty of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's music makes the language barrier disappear.

Is tipping customary?

Each spectator is greeted in the hall by an usher who will lead them to the seat. According to custom at the Royal Chapel of Versailles, ushers may request a tip which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.