Opéra Royal de Versailles 2024 Review: L’uomo Femina

(Photo: Mirco Magliocca) The Versailles Royal Opera successfully staged one of the most curious titles of the eighteenth century: Baldassare Galuppi and Piero Chiari’s “L’uomo Femina.” Galuppi, once a popular Venetian composer—especially known for what is now recognized as opera buffa—has largely fallen into obscurity. Today, his name resonates only among the most hardcore early music enthusiasts—the same audiences likely {…}

Sonya Yoncheva, Éléonore Pancrazi, Franco Fagioli, Julia Lezhneva, Enea Scala Headline L’Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles’ 2024-25 Season

Opéra Royal du Château de Versaiilles has announced new productions with the Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal for its 2024-25 season. Raphaël Pichon will conduct “Vespro della Beata Vergine.” The work stars Perrine Devillers, Zachary Wilder, Robin Tritschler, Antonin Rondepierre, Nicolas Brooyymans, Etienne Bazola, and Renaud Brès. Performance Date: Sept. 22, 2024 Lauranne Oliva, Juliette Mey, Léo Vermot-Desroches, and Halidou Nombre headline {…}

Opéra Royal Versailles 2023 Review: Armide

I’m always struck by the story of “Armide.” The drama of the ancient sorceress is simultaneously transcendent and humane. The opera, after Torquato Tasso’s “Jerusalem Delivered,” ponders the prickly relationship between affect and politics, leading to the one-million-dollar question: Is his love enough? Or, even better: Is love enough? Philippe Quinault’s libretto contraposes the idea of freedom with lovelessness. Renaud’s {…}