Les Brigands (The Bandits) at Opera Palais Garnier

France has produced some fantastic composers throughout history, but perhaps none as iconic as THE quintessentially French composer — Jacques Offenbach! Despite this reputation, Offenbach was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1819. A virtuoso violinist, he went on to become a cellist in the orchestra of the Opéra-Comique in Paris, where he moved to in 1833. In 1855, the Universal Exhibition decided his career, and he would go on to open his own theatre, the Bouffes-Parisiens, providing his plays only included three characters, in accordance with the rules of the day.

In 1858, he triumphed with his opéra bouffe Orphée aux Enfers, followed by Bluebeard and La vie parisienne in 1866, La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein the following year in 1867, La Périchole shortly after in 1868, and his famous opera Les contes d’Hoffman in 1881.

However, it is one very special opera in particular that we wish to share with you on this occasion. The Palais Garnier invites you to rediscover the good humour and colourful nature evoked by his characteristic music in a little-known work in comparison to his aforementioned corpus of works. This gem of the classical repertoire takes us back to the exuberant celebrations of the Second Empire — behold, Les Brigands.

An opéra-bouffe in three acts based on a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, Les Brigands is a fun-loving piece that takes to the stage of the Palais Garnier for the very first time this September! An effervescent comedy requires a plucky cast of artists and producers to ensure it lives up to its full potential — luckily, that’s exactly what the Palais Garnier has in store. Australian native director Barrie Kosky orchestrates an excellent troupe of contemporary talents. Bass-baritone Laurent Naouri assumes the role of the chief of the Carabinieri, whilst Yann Beuron will lend his tenor tone to the character of the Baron de Campo-Tasso. As for the female roles, sopranos Illanah Lobel-Torres and Héloise Poulet stun as Zerlina, Doris Lamprecht takes on the character of the Marquise, and Eugénie Joneau is the Princess of Granada.
Good humour complements an excellent score in this one-of-a-kind production that continues to entertain audiences to this day.

See details for our premium option below!

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, you will be able to choose this following upgraded offer at the time of booking:

Champagne + Programme + Exclusive Access to Salon Liebermann + Show
Elevate your evening with our exclusive package, available even after standard ticket sales have closed. With this premium option, relish a glass of champagne, receive a show program, and enjoy privileged access to the Palais Garnier's opulent Salon Liebermann — a private space adjoining the Grand Foyer, offering breathtaking views of Place de l’Opéra and Avenue de l'Opéra and exclusively reserved for primary ticket holders.

Please note, this special package is exclusively offered through the Theatre in Paris box office, thanks to our official partnership with the Friends of Paris Opera Association. Don't miss the chance to make your opera night truly exceptional.

Offenbach’s unique talent for writing lively melodies and burlesque narratives is illustrated with excellence in this, one of his lesser-known opéra bouffes. Our two heroes, Fragoletto and Fiorella, are led on wild adventures by a troupe of brigands — Falscappa, Barbavano, Fiametta, Domino, and Carmagnola.

The opera opens with the arrival of young Fragoletto in the forest, who quickly finds himself at odds with the wily group of brigands. He soon discovers that he is in fact the son of the brigands’ leader, Falsacappa, and is promptly initiated into their way of life. Upon meeting Fiorella, the governor’s daughter, Fragoletta is quick to fall in love with her — however, as a certain bard once wrote, the course of true love never did run smooth… Social differences render their romance necessarily complicated, and the pair make plans to escape together. Meanwhile, Falsacappa and his brigands prepare to attack a stagecoach in an attempt to steal the governor’s treasure. Comical misunderstandings pepper this enjoyable tale of love, crime, and loyalties as the lovers confront the difficulties of their forbidden romance.

Ultimately, Fragoletto’s true identity as the son of a brigand is revealed, and he is forced to make a choice between staying with his newfound group or returning to his former life… Will the lovers ever be reunited?

Action and hair-raising twists await at every turn! Les Brigands promises an evening filled with laughter and suspense. A theatrical pleasure to be enjoyed with friends or with family!