Mondonville's Le Carnaval du Parnasse - Royal Opera of Versailles

Location

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

Duration

2h 30m

With intermission

Details

Concert version opera

For all audiences

In French surtitled in French

Highlights: Mondonville's Le Carnaval du Parnasse

This heroic ballet has lots in common with the personality of its wildly popular composer, Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville (1711-1772): charisma, excitement and irresistible charm! With a prologue and three acts in a libretto by Jean-Louis Fuzelier, Le Carnaval du Parnasse is Mondonville’s most dazzling achievement. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in this baroque French composer with his thrillingly inventive and expressive pieces.

Though he is better known as a master of the grand motet genre, Mondonville’s rarely performed and lively opera, Le Carnaval du Parnasse, will delight all classical music fans. Now you can hear it in concert form in the spectacular venue that is the Royal Opera of Versailles. Let your ears enjoy a baroque masterpiece that was once dedicated to Madame de Pompadour, while your mind is transported back into French history.

See details for a premium option below!

Story: Mondonville's Le Carnaval du Parnasse

Wit, whimsy and plenty of gallantry… Mondonville based Le Carnaval du Parnasse around a light and light-hearted plot. After a prologue celebrating the spring, where shepherdesses sing to the light, we are drawn into a love story revolving around two couples: Momus and Thalie, on one hand, and Apollo and Lycoris on the other. For his central quartet, Mondonville composed a piece full of verve and feeling, where Italian virtuosity and French dramatism come together in harmony. Le Carnaval du Parnasse is a musical fireworks display, complete with grandiose dances and ensemble singing.

Who better to bring it to life it than the Namur Chamber Choir, a Belgian ensemble specialising in Baroque pieces; Les Ambassadeurs - La Grande Écurie, directed by Alexis Kossenko, and Hélène Guilmette, a radiant soprano from Quebec? They’ll take you on a journey through one of France’s operatic masterpieces. Don’t miss this rare and impressive production at the Royal Opera of Versailles!

Premium experience & option

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 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 House of Versailles?

You may access the Royal Opera 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 Opera is also accessible by bus line 171. The Royal Opera House is located on the grounds of the Castle. Access is via Door B (on the right in the Cour d'honneur, near the Royal Chapel). 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 Opera House of Versailles?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of Le Carnaval du Parnasse. Show your ticket at reception and the staff will take care of you.

Can I take photos during Le Carnaval du Parnasse?

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

How long does Le Carnaval du Parnasse last?

This beautiful piece of music, Le Carnaval du Parnasse, lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with intermission.

Is the show for travelers or French people?

Le Carnaval du Parnasse is performed in French with French subtitles, but the beauty of Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville's music makes the language barrier disappear.

Is there a specific dress code at the Royal Opera House 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?

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 between 2 and 5 euros which you may grant if you wish. It is by no means mandatory.