Cast
Opera in three acts on a libretto by Giuseppe Maria Foppa, created at La Scala in Milan in 1796.
New Production of the Royal Opera
Choeur de l'Opéra Royal
Franco Fagioli Romeo
Adèle Charvet Juliette
Krystian Adam Evrard
Valentino Buzza Théobald
Nicolò Balducci Gilbert
Florie Valiquette Mathilde
Orchestre de l'Opéra Royal
Under the patronage of Aline Foriel-Destezet
Stefan Plewniak Conductor
Gilles Rico Director
Roland Fontaine Stage sets
Christian Lacroix Costumes
Bertrand Couderc Lights
Performance in Italian with French and English surtitles.
Presentation
Napoleon's favorite opera.
Who was not seized by the love of Romeo and Juliet? Napoleon, that great man of war, who was said to be bloodthirsty, was no exception. Franco Fagioli and Adèle Charvet reunite the formidable duet of the castrato Crescentini and the adored Grassini in this opera made by Zingarelli as a tribute to this unknown Bonaparte, protector of the arts and lover of Italian opera.
Napoleon's enthusiasm for opera was extreme. This music-loving conqueror brought to him a young Italian star, the contralto Giuseppina Grassini, and the most dazzling castrato: Girolamo Crescentini, the only singer to ever move the Emperor to tears. Invited to France from 1806 to 1812, Crescentini made the glorious evenings of the Imperial Chapel at the Tuileries, in the company of Grassini, who was appointed First Cantress to his Majesty the Emperor - and his mistress. 143 concerts of Italian soloists at Court between 1810 and 1815 attest to Napoleon's musical passion for Italian opera!
Grassini and Crescentini's workhorse was Zingarelli's opera Giulietta e Romeo, first performed at La Scala in 1796, and then performed many times in Paris before Napoleon by his two favourite singers. "They arouse heroism in me" said Napoleon. This duo of Empire stars comes back to life with Franco Fagioli and Adèle Charvet, even though it was a triumph throughout Europe for three decades, thanks to a sumptuous Bel Canto: this is Napoleon's Opera!
The Royal Opera Productions / Château de Versailles Spectacles
and DVD available in Château de Versailles Spectacles collection
Wednesday 18th October " 15 minutes with" at 7.30pm (to be confirmed)
On presentation of your ticket for that evening and subject to availability.
Royal Opera
More info
Royal Opera - Access map
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).
