Cast
Marie Lys Soprano
Margherita Maria Sala Contralto
Pablo Bemsch Tenor
Alex Rosen Basse
Chœur de Chambre du Palais de la Musique Catalane de Barcelone
Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal
Under the high patronage of Aline Foriel-Destezet
Franco Fagioli Conductor
Concert in English with French surtitles
Presentation
Messiah is Handel’s most famous composition: the oratorio premiered in Dublin in 1742 and was a resounding success at the premiere: such was the demand for tickets that gentlemen were asked to 'forego wearing their swords' and ladies to come 'without hooped dresses', to make room for more listeners, and so increase the proceeds 'for charity'. For the great alto aria "He was despised", the Reverend Delany was so moved that he stood up and cried out to the singer: ‘Woman, for this, be all thy sins forgiven thee!”
Revived in London, Messiah soon became Handel's signature work. Performed thirty-six times during his lifetime, it quickly became the epitome of the majestic and sublime in music. Charles Jennens constructed the libretto dedicated to Christ in three parts: Nativity; Passion and Resurrection; Redemption. The ideal alternation of solo arias and choruses is admirable, and Handel's lyrical skill is evident throughout the arias: suave or victorious, they are among the composer's most beautiful. The memorable choruses have been in our ears for over two hundred and fifty years... In London, King George II was so struck by Hallelujah that he rose to his feet with emotion, followed by the entire audience, and every British audience since. The Royal Opera Orchestra of Versailles joins the Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Musica Catalana in Barcelona for a tour led by the renowned Franco Fagioli, conducting for the first time in Europe: his exceptional musical science should make this treasure of English Baroque music shine with a thousand Latin lights!
A Les Productions de l'Opéra Royal production
This programme will be recorded on CD for the Château de Versailles Spectacles label
Royal Chapel

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, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).