Renowned for its exceptional success, Donizetti presented in Paris in 1840 his first opera written in French: La Fille du régiment. King Louis-Philippe had just reopened the doors of Versailles by deciding to create a museum dedicated “to all the glories of France”. Napoleon was more honoured there than Louis XIV, and France was preparing to welcome with fervour the return of the Emperor’s ashes. In such a context, patriotism was running high, and La Fille du régiment was perfectly in tune with the spirit of the time. To portray the unlikely love story between Marie, a vivandière who has become the adopted daughter of the regiment, and the brave Tonio who saved her and joined the Napoleonic army, Donizetti indulges wholeheartedly: patriotic arias and choruses, a display of bel canto, and Tonio’s famous aria, the “Everest of operatic art” with its nine high C’s !

The thousandth performance was reached in Paris in 1914. During the performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in December 1940, Lily Pons, after a dazzling “Salut à la France”, sang La Marseillaise, which became a symbol of freedom in the midst of war. The virtuosic soloists Catherine Trottmann and Patrick Kabongo, accompanied by the French Army Choir, will transport the audience of the Opéra Royal to the beating heart of the nation.

Royal Opera Production/ Château de Versailles Spectacles / Les Productions de l’Opéra Royal.

CD and DVD available from the Château de Versailles Spectacles collection.

The Centre de musique baroque de Versailles provides its set collection designed by Antoine Fontaine.

Costumes were created by Atelier Caraco – Paris.

Sets were created by Atelier Devineau.

Wigs and accessories were provided by the Opéra Royal / Château de Versailles Spectacles.

Opéra-comique in two acts with a libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Jean-François Bayard, premiered in Paris in 1840.

Sung in French.

Show in French, with surtitles in French and English.

December 31st performance : the arrival of the New Year will be celebrated with an exceptional fireworks display launched from the Hall of Mirrors, for a finale as spectacular as it is unforgettable (subject to weather conditions on the day).

First part : 1h15

Intermission

Second part : 50 minutes

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : Best seats in house, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a complimentary programme and a glass of champagne.

CORPORATE GROUP RATE : for more information, please refer to our page dedicated to works councils and groups.

REDUCED GROUP RATE : available for groups of more than 10 people, excluding corporate offers.

In case of any technical problem, the box office service remains 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).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone.