Cast
Samuel Mariño, Eric Jurenas, Siman Chung and Nicolò Balducci Counter-tenors
Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal
Under the high patronage of Aline Foriel-Destezet
Stefan Plewniak Conductor
Program for this show is available here.
Presentation
In Baroque Europe, the castrati had an extraordinary place as the first "stars" in the history of music. Almost all Italian and trained in the conservatories of Naples, they dedicated themselves to the opera career or to the service of the most prestigious princely chapels, from the Vatican to the Royal Chapel of Versailles, often combining both jobs.
In many productions of operas and sacred oratorios, from Vienna to London, castrati were systematically given the title role (and in Rome all the female roles) and several important roles, creating a veritable competition on the stage: it was an escalation of virtuosity and emotion between the singers, of which the audience was the arbiter by its demands for encore performances, and then by the lavish gifts offered to the most admired singers. The opera was regularly supplemented by the "suitcase" arias that the most sought-after castrati brought with them to shine.
And what if three of the best performers of our time were also to take part in this Virtuosity Competition? Samuel Mariño (born in Caracas), Eric Jurenas (born in United States) and Siman Chung (born in Busas, South Korea). Virtuoso arias, love duets and combative trios parade under the pen of the masters Handel, Ariosti, Porpora and Vinci, who made the castrati triumph. Each spectator can find his or her champion!
A Les Productions de l'Opéra Royal production
CD and DVD Available in the Château de Versailles Spectacles label
Hall of Mirrors
More info
Prices
Catégorie 3
Catégorie 2
Catégorie 1
Prestige
Prestige VIP
Doge
DOGE CATEGORY: Best seats, a free programme, an invitation to the cocktail reception (opening 45 min before the show) and unlimited champagne.
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).
Entrance and placement conditions will be adapted according to the health protocol enforced.
