In 1854, Hector Berlioz confided in his memoirs that, “For three years, I have been tormented by the idea of a vast opera for which I would like to write both words and music.” Held back by the failures of Benvenuto Cellini and La Damnation de Faust, the composer was to wait another two years before throwing himself into Les Troyens, an enterprise based on Virgil’s Aeneid: an ancient text that, galvanised by the master’s brilliant orchestral modernity, breathed new life into an operatic world still dominated by Verdi.In 1990, when the curtain rose for the first time at the Opéra Bastille, it revealed the Trojan plains. Thirty years later, a new production directed by Dmitri Tcherniakov marks the anniversary of the opera house, revealing the work in all its immensity. The Paris Opera Orchestra and ChorusA co-production of ARTE France, Opéra national de Paris and Bel Air Media with the support of the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts and the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée.© ARTE France - Opéra national de Paris – Bel Air Media 2019 Visuel : © Vincent Pontet / OnP

<ul><li>Priam: King of Troy</li><li>Hécube: Priam’s wife</li><li>Cassandre, Créuse, Polyxène, Hellenus: The children of Hécube and Priam</li><li>Andromaque: Widow of Hector, son of Priam, who was killed by the Greeks</li><li>Astyanax: The young son of Hector and Andromaque</li><li>Énée: Husband of Créuse</li><li>Ascagne: Son of Énée and Créuse</li><li>Chorèbe: A soldier and Cassandre’s fiancé</li><li>Panthée: A friend of Énée</li><li>The ghost of Hector</li><li>A Greek chief</li><li>Didon</li><li>Anna</li><li>Narbal</li><li>IopasHylas</li></ul>

Les Troyens | opera chez soi

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Les Troyens

In 1854, Hector Berlioz confided in his memoirs that, “For three years, I have been tormented by the idea of a vast opera for which I would like to write both words and music.”Held back by the failures of Benvenuto Cellini and La Damnation de Faust, 

Hector Berlioz

In 1909, after attending a performance of Œdipus Rex at the Comédie-Française, George Enescu hastened to transcribe the first bars of his one and only opera. Sophocles’ play had the effect of an electroshock on the Romanian composer, spurring him to begin work on his score before he even had a libretto. The completed work would ultimately have its world premiere at the Paris Opera in 1936.The influences of his teacher Fauré, of Stravinsky, Debussy and Romania’s ancestral musical traditions all fuelled an orchestral and vocal composition of unparalleled originality. Surprisingly, despite receiving a rapturous reception, the work was rarely staged at opera houses during the 20th century.For his Paris Opera debut, Wajdi Mouawad evokes the life of Œdipus – the man unaware of his own identity – in a continuum of organic, vegetal, ethereal and aquatic images. The Paris Opera Orchestra and Chorus Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine / Choeur d’enfants de l’Opéra national de ParisWith the support of the CNC and the Orange Foundation, sponsor of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts. Director: François RoussillonPicture: © Elisa Haberer / OnP

<ul><li>Œdipus: Son of Laius and Jocasta</li><li>Laius: King of Thebes</li><li>Jocasta: Queen of Thebes, mother and wife of Œdipus</li><li>Creon: Brother of Jocasta</li><li>Tiresias: A soothsayer</li><li>Merope: Œdipus’ adoptive mother, Queen of Corinth</li><li>Phorbas: Shepherd in the service of Polybus and Merope, rulers of Corinth</li><li>The Shepherd: Commanded by Laius to kill the newborn Œdipus</li><li>Antigone: Daughter of Œdipus and Jocasta</li><li>Theseus: King of Athens</li><li>The Sphinx</li><li>The High Priest</li><li>The Night Watchman</li></ul>

Œdipe  - 6

Œdipe_trailer

Œdipe

In 1909, after attending a performance of Œdipus Rex at the Comédie-Française, George Enescu hastened to transcribe the first bars of his one and only opera. Sophocles’ play had the effect of an electroshock on the Romanian composer, spurring him to 

Georges Enesco

Both similar and different, two French composers and two choreographers of the New York City Ballet – Georges Balanchine who founded it and Benjamin Millepied who was trained there- are the heart of this evening.Georges Balanchine set his first creation for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1947 to an early work by Bizet, Le Palais de cristal, as a tribute to the company and the French ballet tradition.A refine work intrinsically connected to music, this piece is a model of academic virtuosity, unfolding in the wonderful case designed by an artist of colours and lights, Christian Lacroix.With Daphnis and Chloe, Benjamin Millepied offered his third creation to the Paris Opera Ballet, reviving the myth with the help of his friend Daniel Buren.Inspired by Balanchine, the choreographer drew his inspiration on the rhythms and colours of a “chorographical symphony” by Ravel for orchestra and chorus.These masterpieces of French music are conducted by Philippe Jordan who accompanies, for the first time, the dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet. The Étoiles, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet The Paris Opera Orchestra and ChorusA co-production of the Paris Opera, Telmondis and Mezzo With the participation of France Télévisions - With the support of the Orange Foundation, patron of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts and with the assistance of the Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animéeDirector: François Goetghebeur © Opéra national de Paris – Telmondis - Mezzo - 2014Picture: © Agathe Poupeney / OnP

Daphnis et Chloé - 17

George Balanchine / Benjamin Millepied Evening_trailer

George Balanchine / Benjamin Millepied Evening

Both similar and different, two French composers and two choreographers of the New York City Ballet – Georges Balanchine who founded it and Benjamin Millepied who was trained there- are the heart of this evening. Georges Balanchine set his first crea

George Balanchine, Benjamin Millepied

Le Palais de Cristal / Daphnis et Chloé

“A nymph reigning over a watery empire” or an “absurd Naiad”? Who exactly is Rameau’s strange creature sung by a countertenor and who shatters the conventions of opera?The ugly and conceited frog Platée is the victim of a machination of the gods who make her believe that she is loved by Jupiter.In this opera, composed to mark the marriage of the Dauphin Louis, son of Louis XV, to the notoriously unbecoming Princess Maria Teresa of Spain, Jean‑Philippe Rameau turns irony into the principal weapon of his score.This cruel yet moving farce is presented in a delightfully whimsical production by Laurent Pelly. Orchestre des Musiciens du Louvre The Paris Opera ChorusA coproduction by the Paris Opera and Telmondis, with the participation of France Télévisions and Mezzo With the support of the CNC and the Fondation Orange, Sponsor of the Paris Opera's audiovisual and digital projects, and Paprec, sponsor of Platée's broadcast.Director: François-René Martin © Opéra national de Paris - Telmondis - 2022 Picture: © Elisa Haberer / OnP

Platée: A batrachian nymph, she reigns over the marshes. Despite her ugliness, she is convinced that Jupiter is in love with her. Jupiter: God of the elements, he governs the earth and the heavens, father of the gods and of men. His identifying attributes are the eagle and the thunderbolt. Cithéron: The legendary king who gave his name to Mount Cithaeron. Mercure: God of commerce and travel and, in Roman mythology, messenger of the other gods. La Folie: An allegorical character symbolising gaiety.Junon: Jupiter’s wife, protector of women, particularly those with a recognized legal status in the city – women who are legitimately married. Amour: Son of Venus-Aphrodite. In Greek mythology, the god of love and creative ernergy. Momus: God of mockery, sarcasm and disguise, the “jester” of the Olympian deities. Thespis: Semi-legendary tragic poet of ancient Greece and, according to Athenian tradition, the inventor of tragedy. Thalie: One of the nine muses: the muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. Clarine: Maidservant to Platée.

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Platée_trailer

Platée

26-27

“A nymph reigning over a watery empire” or an “absurd Naiad”? Who exactly is Rameau’s strange creature sung by a countertenor and who shatters the conventions of opera? The ugly and conceited frog Platée is the victim of a machination of the gods who

Jean-Philippe Rameau

Possibly mythology’s most unfathomable character: Medea, the sorceress, betrayed by her husband Jason, takes revenge by offering the latter’s lover a poisoned dress and then killing her own children. Such a destiny, so often portrayed in the arts, could not but be embodied at the Opera. In 1693, Marc-Antoine Charpentier premiered his only “tragédie lyrique”, based on a libretto by Thomas Corneille, at the Académie royale de Musique – forerunner of the Paris Opera – in the presence of Louis XIV. Three centuries after its creation, this baroque score of great orchestral wealth returns for the first time to the stage of the Paris Opera, under the baton of William Christie. Renowned for his exceptionally articulate interpretations, director David McVicar transposes the action to the Second World War, thus reinforcing the heroine’s tragic character. Les Arts Florissants Choir and Orchestra

Medea: Princess of Colchis, sorceress Jason: Prince of Thessaly, Argonaut, father of Medea’s children Creusa: Princess of Corinth and Creon’s daughter whom Jason intends to marry Orontes: Prince of Argos to whom Creon has promised his daughter Creon: King of Corinth and Creusa’s father Nerina: Medea’s confidante Cleonis: Creusa’s confidante Arcas: Jason’s confidant

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Médée

23-24

Possibly mythology’s most unfathomable character: Medea, the sorceress, betrayed by her husband Jason, takes revenge by offering the latter’s lover a poisoned dress and then killing her own children. Such a destiny, so often portrayed in the arts, co

Marc-Antoine Charpentier

In this film, a lonely mother and her son go to the opera where a performance of Cherubini’s opera Medea is given. It is the mother’s birthday and she wanted to surprise her son by inviting him to the opera. But, the son’s plan were different and he is quite upset about it. His mother tries to break the silent barrier behind which he hides. A semblance of discussion begins, not without humour. Tension is present but, as the performance goes on, both find themselves astounded, captured, alone in the opera house.  Director: Mikael Buch; Screenplay: Vincent Dedienne, Mikael Buch

Médée_Mikael Buch

In this film, a lonely mother and her son go to the opera where a performance of Cherubini’s opera Medea is given. It is the mother’s birthday and she wanted to surprise her son by inviting him to the opera. But, the son’s plan were different and he 

Mikael Buch

A return to its roots for Castor et Pollux, Jean-Philippe Rameau’s lyric tragedy first performed in 1737 at the Académie royale and inspired by the mythological episode of the Gemini.Rarely performed in its original version – the score was reworked by Rameau himself in 1754 –, this daring work plays on contrasts and expressiveness, as in the famous “Tristes apprêts”. The aria is sung by Télaïre mourning the death of her fiancé Castor, killed in battle, before his twin brother Pollux descends into the Underworld to ask his father, Jupiter, to bring him back to life.While this opera celebrates brotherly love, its prologue poses an essential question for director Peter Sellars: how do you stop a war and its attendant hatred and resentment? Utopia Orchestra and ChorusDance and choreography: Christopher Beaubrun, Jin Lee Baobei, Andrew Coleman dit « Finesse », Xavier Days dit « X », Ablaye Diop, Ange Emmanuel dit « Kendrickble », Kenza Kabisso, Joshua Morales dit « Sage », Tom Mornet Bouchiba dit « Tomorrow », Cordell Purnell dit « Storm », Sarah Querut, Edwin Saco dit « Jamsy », Océane Valence

Castor: Son of Leda and Tyndare, mortal Pollux: Son of Leda and Jupiter, immortal Télaïre: Castor’s fiancée Phébé: Pollux’s partner Jupiter: Pollux’s father

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Castor et Pollux

24-25

A return to its roots for Castor et Pollux, Jean-Philippe Rameau’s lyric tragedy first performed in 1737 at the Académie royale and inspired by the mythological episode of the Gemini. Rarely performed in its original version – the score was reworked 

The Paris Opera continues its exploration of Richard Wagner’s colossal Ring, directed by Calixto Bieito. After the final scene of The Rhinegold, in which the gods ascend to Walhalla, The Valkyrie, the second part of the cycle, focuses on humans in the form of twins Sieglinde and Siegmund.While their irrepressible, incestuous passion unleashes the wrath of Fricka, the goddess of marriage, it deeply moves the Valkyrie Brünnhilde, prompting her to defy her father, the god Wotan.To express the power of human love, but also the contradictions of a god who wishes to engender a being who is free yet subject to his own will, Richard Wagner writes music that is by turns lyrical and sensual, fiery and heroic, like the famous “Ride of the Valkyries”.

Coast Mountains #15, Receding Glacier, British Columbia, Canada, 2023

LA WALKYRIE - 1

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La Walkyrie (Festival RING) - FR

La Walkyrie (Festival RING) - EN

Bastille salle

Die Walküre, from 7 to 17 November 2026 at the Opéra Bastille

The Paris Opera continues its exploration of Richard Wagner’s colossal Ring, directed by Calixto Bieito. After the final scene of The Rhinegold, in which the gods ascend to Walhalla, The Valkyrie, the second part of the cycle, focuses on humans in th

Richard Wagner

Die Walküre (RING Festival)

With Siegfried, staged in Calixto Bieito’s new production, the Paris Opera presents the third part of Richard Wagner’s extraordinary undertaking, the Ring of the Nibelung. Siegfried, the son of Sieglinde and Siegmund, has become a dauntless young man who knows no fear.Armed with his sword Notung, he sets off on an adventure, defeating the dragon Fafner before seizing the ring, unaware of its power. Crossing the flames that encircle Brünnhilde, he awakens her from her long sleep, ushering in a mutual love that will profoundly transform them.To describe the initiatory journey of this free and instinctive hero, representing the hope of a new world, Richard Wagner’s orchestral writing unfolds with impressive scope. Murmuring forests, horns and dramatic dialogues build to a crescendo until the final duet between Siegfried and Brünnhilde, one of the pinnacles of the Ring.

Siegfried: Son of the late Siegmund and Sieglinde, raised by Mime Mime: A Nibelung who seeks to seize the Ring of Power The Traveller: Wotan, god of the gods, Siegfried’s grandfather The Forest Bird: Siegfried’s allyAlberich: A Nibelung, originator of the Ring’s curse Fafner: A giant transformed into a dragon, guardian of the Ring Erda: Goddess of the Earth Brünnhilde: Valkyrie, daughter of Wotan and Erda The Forest Bird: Siegfried’s ally

siegfried

Siegfried (RING Festival) - FR

Siegfried (Festival RING) - EN

Siegfried, from 10 to 19 November 2026 at the Opéra Bastille

With Siegfried, staged in Calixto Bieito’s new production, the Paris Opera presents the third part of Richard Wagner’s extraordinary undertaking, the Ring of the Nibelung. Siegfried, the son of Sieglinde and Siegmund, has become a dauntless young man

Siegfried (RING Festival)

In Götterdämmerung, Siegfried takes leave of Brünnhilde to travel the world and accomplish new feats. These will be his last: during his journey along the Rhine, he falls victim to a sinister plot hatched by Alberich and his son Hagen. The downfall of the gods is now inevitable... Bringing the Ring cycle to a close with Götterdämmerung, its most metaphysical chapter, Richard Wagner unleashes music as blazing as the pyre on which Brünnhilde immolates herself. Emotion runs equally high, as in Siegfried’s Funeral March, one of the score’s most striking orchestral passages.Premiered in 1876 at the inaugural Bayreuth Festival, the work is presented here in a production by Calixto Bieito, thus concluding his vision of the Ring Cycle for the Paris Opera, begun in 2025.

crepuscule des dieux

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Le Crépuscule des dieux - FR

Le Crépuscule des dieux - EN

In Götterdämmerung, Siegfried takes leave of Brünnhilde to travel the world and accomplish new feats. These will be his last: during his journey along the Rhine, he falls victim to a sinister plot hatched by Alberich and his son Hagen. The downfall o

Götterdämmerung (RING Festival)

Accused of killing her brother, the heir to the Duchy of Brabant, Elsa asks to be defended by the man she has seen in her dreams. When he appears, led by a swan, he accepts on condition that she never asks him his name.Richard Wagner was 37 years old when he wrote his romantic opera Lohengrin with its compelling score. Writing not only the music but also the libretto (inspired by Germanic legends), he laid the foundations for his “music drama”, to which a prelude, leitmotivs and an extensive orchestra and choruses also contributed.Director Kirill Serebrennikov, known for his striking creations, makes his Paris Opera debut with this work, upon which his reflection on war as a machine for crushing bodies and souls sheds a sombre light. The Paris Opera Orchestra and ChorusWith the support of the Orange Foundation, sponsor of the Paris Opera's audiovisual broadcasts. © Opéra national de Paris - 2023

Lohengrin: Knight of the Grail, son of Percival Elsa: Heiress to the dukedom of Brabant Friedrich von Telramund: Brabantian count and war leader Ortrud: Telramund’s wife, daughter of the pagan King of Frisia Henri the Fowler: King of Germany The Herald: The King’s herald-at-arms

Lohengrin (saison 23/24) - 8

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Lohengrin

Accused of killing her brother, the heir to the Duchy of Brabant, Elsa asks to be defended by the man she has seen in her dreams. When he appears, led by a swan, he accepts on condition that she never asks him his name. Richard Wagner was 37 years ol

Discover this selection of ballets and operas inspired by the great mythological tales. It highlights Greek and Roman mythology through works in which gods, heroes, and ancient passions come to life on stage. The selection also extends to Germanic mythology with Wagner’s monumental Ring Cycle (Der Ring des Nibelungen).

Discover this selection of ballets and operas inspired by the great mythological tales. It highlights Greek and Roman mythology through works in which