Cast
Reinoud Van Mechelen David
Caroline Arnaud Jonathas
David Witczak Saül
François-Olivier Jean Pythonisse
Antonin Rondepierre Joabel
Geoffroy Buffière L’ombre de Samuel
Virgile Ancely Achis
Ensemble Marguerite Louise
Gaétan Jarry Conductor
Marshall Pynkoski Stage direction
Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg Choreography
Antoine and Roland Fontaine Settings
Hervé Gary Lighting
Christian Lacroix Costumes
Representation in French with french subtitles
Presentation
Biblical tragedy in five acts with prologue on a booklet by Father Bretonneau, created in 1688 in Paris.
NEW PRODUCTION :
Marc-Antoine Charpentier spent most of his career without being able to access opera, as Lully held the royal privilege for this form, however he was able to create a lyrical masterpiece under very special circumstances. In 1688, the Collège Louis Le Grand, in the Jesuit tradition of theatrical, musical and choreographic practice, performed his lyrical tragedy David et Jonathas, with acts interspersed between those of the play Saul.
This musical work relates a well-known subject from the Old Testament, the strong friendship - the biblical love - of David and Jonathas, son of King Saul (the latter convinced of the betrayal of the young David, who took refuge in the Philistine’s camp after his banishment). The inevitable confrontation between their armies leads to Saul's suicide and Jonathas' death in the arms of the victorious David...
The extraordinary inspiration of Charpentier's music, the dramatic force of the libretto, and the intense emotion that radiates from the work, led to great success from the outset, as shown by several revivals in other Jesuit colleges. This production is a baroque dream: a performance of the sacred drama David and Jonathas in the Chapelle Royale of Versailles, with a magnificent set by Antoine and Roland Fontaine, costumes by Christian Lacroix, a baroque and vibrant staging by Marshall Pynkoski, choreography by Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, and the admirable musical vision of Gaetan Jarry leading exceptional soloists. This is the vibrant version of the fateful, fusional love between David and Jonathas...
An Opéra Royal / Château de Versailles Spectacles production
This new production is made possible by the generous support of Aline Foriel-Destezet
With the exceptionnal support of the Fondation de l’Opéra Royal
This program will be recorded on CD for the Château de Versailles Spectacles label
Photo gallery
David et Jonathas
Video
Play video
CHARPENTIER, David and Jonathas | Behind the scenes: the costumes of Christian Lacroix
CHARPENTIER, David and Jonathas | The sets - Meeting with Antoine Fontaine
Royal Chapel
More info
Prices
Catégorie 3
Catégorie 2
Catégorie 1
Prestige
Prestige VIP
PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
REDUCED RATE applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).
To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89.
In case of any technical problem, the box office service remain available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm,
