Concert Operas and Oratorios at Royal Chapel of Versailles - Royal Opera of Versailles

Location

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

Duration

From 1 h 30 min to 3 hours

With intermission

Details

Concert operas and oratorios

For all audiences

In different languages with French surtitles

HIGHLIGHTS: Concert operas and oratorios at the Royal Chapel of Versailles

The Royal Chapel of Versailles, a sumptuous setting steeped in history, invites you on an extraordinary musical journey through the masterpieces of opera and oratorio. This season, let yourself be transported by the sweet and unforgettable melodies of Mozart and Handel, sublimated by the exceptional acoustics of the venue.

Immerse yourself in Mozart's spiritual world with his opera The Obligation of the First and Foremost Commandment. This rare work, imbued with religious fervour, will transport you to the heart of faith and morality with divine music.

There will also be two performances of Handel's undisputed masterpiece, Messiah. Let yourself be lulled by the grandeur and beauty of this stupendous work, a veritable pillar of sacred music.

Discover another of Handel's jewels, the oratorio Solomon. This majestic work, recounting the story of King Solomon, is sure to amaze you with its virtuoso arias and powerful choruses.

Let yourself be transported by the magic of the place. The Royal Chapel of Versailles, with its majestic architecture and refined decor, offers an incomparable setting for fully appreciating the beauty, power and subtlety of opera and oratorio. Each concert is a unique opportunity to let yourself be carried away by the exceptional acoustics of the venue and to enjoy a true musical experience.

The concerts are given by internationally renowned ensembles and soloists, celebrated for their virtuosity and great artistic sensitivity. It is always a privilege to appreciate the talent of top-class soloists and orchestras who bring these works to life with passion and fervour in this unique atmosphere.

Be among those who can say: “I had the incredible privilege of hearing a magnificent concert in the superb Royal Chapel of Versailles.”

See details for our premium options below!

Next dates

18

SatJanuary

8:00 PM

PREMIUM OPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

Looking for more than a standard ticket to the show? To make your experience an unforgettable one, choose between one of the following upgraded offers at the time of booking:

Prestige Tickets: Show + Glass of Champagne + Programme
This ticket category includes a glass of champagne, a specially prepared programme of the show, as well as exclusive access to the two best categories in the house.

Prestige VIP Tickets: Show + Glass of Champagne + Programme
This ticket category includes a glass of champagne, a specially prepared programme of the show, as well as exclusive access to the best seats in the house.

CONCERT PROGRAMME

Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
Oratorio
Conducted by Paul McCreesh accompanied by the Gabrieli Consort and Players with Tim Mead (Solomon), Rowan Pierce (Queen of Solomon), Hilary Cronin (First Harlot), Frances Gregory (Second Harlot) and Anna Dennis (Queen of Sheba), James Way (Zadok), Morgan Pearce (A Levite).
Handel: Solomon
In English with French surtitles

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 Chapel of Versailles?

The Royal Chapel of Versailles is accessible by:
RER: Line C (station Versailles Château Rive Gauche), from this station, the castle is a 10-minute walk.
Transilien: Line N (station Versailles Chantiers), line U (station Versailles Chantiers), line L (station Versailles Rive Droite), from this station, the castle is a 25-minute walk.
Address: Place d’Armes, 78000 Paris
The Royal Chapel 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.
You can find a map to guide you to the the Royal Chapel’s ticket office in the theatre’s "photo" section on this page.
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 Chapel of Versailles?

We invite you to arrive 20 minutes before the beginning of concert operas and oratorios, and present your voucher at the front desk. The Royal Chapel of Versailles’s English-speaking staff members will guide you to your seats.

How long does the concert operas and oratorios last?

The concert operas and oratorios at the Royal Chapel of Versailles last between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours, with or without intermission.

Are concert operas en oratorios for an international audience or French speakers?

For both! The Chapelle Royale de Versailles welcomes spectators from all over the world. Concert operas and oratorios are sung in the original language, with surtitles in French and English, so that everyone can enjoy the performances in the incredible Chapelle Royale de Versailles.

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

At the Royal Chapel of Versailles, the surtitles are projected on each side of the stage. Category 1 and Prestige offer the best view of the surtitles.
*Surtitles (also called supertitles) are the theatre equivalent of subtitles. Fun fact: In French “sur” means “above”.

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

There is no specific dress code at the Royal Chapel of Versailles, but proper attire is appreciated. Many Parisians will arrive directly from work, dressed in business casual or chic attire.

For Parisian operas and ballets, the dress code tends to be a bit fancier than in other venues, so feel free to have a little fun and dress to impress.

Can I choose my seat when booking?

When purchasing tickets, choose your preferred category and you will be allocated the best available seats in that category! Premium categories offer exclusive access to the best seats in the house. See the section “Premium Options and Experiences” to learn more about our premium options.
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.