I puritani (The Puritans) at Opéra Bastille

Directed by Laurent Pelly
Vincenzo Bellini's Les Puritains at the Opéra Bastille in Paris in 2024, Opera
Opéra Bastille

Until March 5, 2025

Other languages with surtitles
Vincenzo Bellini's Les Puritains at the Opéra Bastille in Paris in 2024, Opera
I puritani (The Puritans) at Opéra Bastille
Book now From 145€/person

Location

Opéra Bastille
Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris
Capacity 2700 seats

Duration

3 h 20 min

With intermission


Details

Opera

For all audiences

In Italian with French and English surtitles


HIGHLIGHTS: I PURITANI

Alongside the likes of Gaetano Donizetti and Gioachino Rossini, this artist is one of the great composers of Bel Canto, the Italian singing style characterised by beauty and purity of sound, vocal agility, and virtuosity…

 

But first, a little contextualisation. Bel Canto emerged in the 17th century and reached its apogee in the 19th century. It emphasises vocal technique, in particular breath control, the production of a clear, round sound, and the ability to execute complex vocal feats. This sparkling style demands intense expression of emotion and great musicality from its singers. Even to this day, Bel Canto has influenced many other musical genres, and remains an important reference point in the world of opera singing.

 

Of course, the Paris Opéra is a master at presenting all styles of opera, and does great justice to any piece it seeks to produce. Bellini's I Puritani is certainly no exception, playing on the stage of Opéra Bastille this opera season; a masterpiece of Bel Canto and romanticism is only rendered more magnificent still by the incredible setting.

 

It's a sure bet that this opera will bring tears to your eyes, as much for the passion it exudes as for the beauty and tenderness of the arias. Laurent Pelly's staging is both refined and contemporary, bringing a fresh perspective to this classic. Lisette Oropesa takes the role of Elvira, bringing her light soprano voice to reach crystal-clear high notes. As for the male lead, American tenor Lawrence Brownlee assumes the role, Seattle Opera's Artist of the Year in 2008 for his interpretation of the role of Arturo in... (surprise!) I Puritani! There is certainly no shortage of talent available for this exciting production.

 

You can thank the Opéra Bastille for what promises to be a very exceptional evening!

 

 

See details for our premium option below!

PREMIUM OPTION AND EXPERIENCE at Opéra Bastille

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 Berlioz + Show
Indulge in the premium opera experience! 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 Opéra Bastille's Salon Berlioz — an intimate space reserved for our premium guests.

 

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.

SYNOPSIS OF I PURITANI

A veritable delight of the Bel Canto form, come and discover Vincenzo Bellini's three-part melodramma serio, I Puritani, on the stage of the Opéra Bastille!

 

The story is centred around the impossible love between Elvira, a Puritan, and Arturo, a royalist. Despite the political differences that strike them apart, their love is strong and sincere. However, political events and the wicked machinations of other characters, such as Lord Walton and Sir Riccardo, stand to challenge the love shared by this duo. Arturo is forced to flee, leaving Elvira desperate and on the brink of madness.

 

The opera culminates in Elvira's forced marriage to Sir Riccardo, while she is still in love with Arturo. Whether or not true love triumphs is for you to discover…!

 

The music is marvellous, the arias moving even the most stoic of hearts. It's impossible not to shed a tear during the famous mad scene in Act II, which begins with the words: O rendetemi la speme (“Give me back my hope…”). A host of incredible scenes and heart-touching arias are in store in this lovely piece by Bellini — you won’t want to miss out!

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Opéra Bastille

Place de la Bastille, 75012 Paris

History and Fun Facts about the Opéra Bastille

 

Designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, the building was commissioned by French President François Mitterrand and inaugurated in 1989. For years, many had lamented the lack of a modern venue in Paris capable of welcoming modern concerts and performances with different acoustic approaches, and the flexibility that a modulable venue lends. A movement started in the 1960s called for a larger new venue in Paris that would appeal to the masses, a modern compliment to the elaborate Palais Garnier. Just over 100 years after the inauguration of the Palais Garnier, the demands finally won over the newly-elected President Mitterrand, who supported the project as the headliner among many modern works launched during his term. Selecting the popular Bastille neighbourhood for its ease of accessibility from Paris and the surrounding areas, the old Bastille Train Station was destroyed to make way for the construction of the new venue. The building was completed just in time for the bicentenary of the French Revolution.  

 

The venue has undergone many changes in direction resulting from varying political affiliations, and has undergone major renovations since its construction to repair and to soundproof the entire structure. Unlike other auditorium designs, each and every seat at the Opéra Bastille guarantees an unrestricted view of the stage. With its white glass ceiling, crisp gray compliments, and black seating adorned with rich oak, the venue is an ode to modernity and simplistic design. From the exterior, made of blue granite from Brittany and blocks of glass, light is reflected from every corner of this angular venue.

 

Fast facts
Capacity: 2,745
Handicap Accessible: Yes – in order to guarantee access to specific locations, we ask that you make your reservation at least 15 days before the performance.
Air conditioning: Yes
Heating: Yes
Coat Check: Yes (free service)

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FAQ

How do I get to Opéra Bastille in the 12th arrondissement of Paris ?

The Opéra Bastille is accessible by:
Metro: Line 1 (station Bastille), line 5 (station Bastille), line 8 (station Bastille)
RER: Line A (station Gare de Lyon)
Address: 120 rue de Lyon, 75012 Paris
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 Opéra Bastille?

We invite you to arrive 45 minutes before the beginning of I Puritani, and present your voucher at the front desk. Opéra Bastille’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.
The concert hall’s doors close 15 minutes after the start of the performance and reopen at intermission if the performance includes one.
If you arrive within 15 minutes after the start of the performance, you will not be allowed to enter the opera house and will be directed to an area with a television where you can watch the first part of the show. You will be able to return to your seats during the intermission if the performance includes one.

How long does the opera, I Puritani, last?

The opera I Puritani at Opéra Bastille lasts approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes, with intermission.

Is I Puritani for an international audience or French speakers?

Both! The Opéra Bastille has been welcoming audiences from all over the world for many years. The opera, I Puritani, is sung in its original Italian version. Surtitles are provided in both French and English so that international audiences can appreciate this opera in this incredible Parisian venue.

Where will I be seated, and will I see the surtitles* properly?

At Opéra Bastille, each category provides a comfortable view of the surtitles. The surtitles are projected above and on the sides of the stage. Our Premium tickets offer the best view of the stage and surtitles.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. That’s because in French “sur” means “above”.

Is there a dress code at Opéra Bastille?

There is no specific dress code at Opéra Bastille, but proper attire is appreciated. Feel free to dress to impress and reflect the fabulous contemporary architecture at Opéra Bastille!

Can I choose my seat when booking?

No, unfortunately it is not possible to choose your seat when booking for I Puritani. However, you can choose the category and we will allocate you the best seats in the chosen category!
Please note that tickets of the same category that are booked during the same purchase session, in the same booking order on our website are always assigned side by side. To be sure of this, make sure all of your tickets are in the same category and are included in your shopping cart at the time of purchase.
If there are no available adjacent seating arrangements, our customer service team will contact you before the booking is confirmed.

 

At the Paris Opera, the seats are assigned in odd numbers or even numbers. Therefore, if your tickets are consecutive odd numbers or even numbers (For example: 1, 3, 5,...), they will be adjacent.

 

You can find the seating plan in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.

What is included with my premium ticket at Opéra Bastille?

The Premium tickets are our most exclusive package and include seating in category Optima, the best category in the house, a programme of the show, a glass of champagne, and exclusive access to the magnificent Salon Berlioz.

 

Your programme: At the Opéra Bastille, you may pick your programme in the main shop as well as at the programme stands located at the main entrance, on the 2nd and 4th floors.
Your glass of champagne: You can choose to enjoy your glass of champagne before the performance or during intermission. Champagne will be available at public bars or in the exclusive Salon Berlioz. The Salon is located on the 1st floor, at the right of the entrance to the Opéra Bastille. It is accessible by elevator or by stairs.

I bought premium tickets for I Puritani and I haven’t received them yet. Is this normal?

Yes, it’s completely normal! As the premium tickets for I Puritani include exclusive add-ons, your order will first be created as a pre-booking so the Paris Opera can assign your seats and prepare your exclusive package.
You may see a pre-charge on your card but you can rest assured that we will not charge your card until the booking is validated by the Paris Opera. After the tickets are confirmed, you will receive your tickets by email.
Given the large number of requests the Paris Opera has to manage, this process usually takes two business 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.