Giovanni Battista Velluti, born in 1780, was the last heir of the great Italian castrati. His exceptional voice, both powerful and agile, and his impressive vocal mastery opened the doors to the most prestigious opera houses in Europe. His talent for highly complex vocal ornamentation had a lasting influence on 19^th -century vocal performance style. Franco Fagioli immerses himself in Velluti’s theatricality to fully convey the extent of his genius, performing his most famous roles superbly, accompanied by the Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal of the Palace of Versailles.

Royal Opera Productions.

This program will be recorded on CD for the Château de Versailles Spectacles label.

Airs de bravoure pour castrat de Rossini, Mercadante, Nicolini, Bonfichi.

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)

Tancredi : Sinfonia

Giuseppe Nicolini (1762-1842)

Traiano in Dacia : Air de Decebalo « Ah se mi lasci o cara »

Gioachino Rossini

Il viaggio a Reims : Final de l’acte III

Paolo Bonfichi (1769-1840)

Attila : Scène et cavatine de Lotario « Qual mi circonda e agghiaccia … Dolenti e care immagini … Vedrai quest’anima »

Pierre Rode (1774-1830)

Concerto pour violon n°1 : Final, polonaise

Giuseppe Nicolini

Carlo Magno : Scène et rondo de Vitekindo « Ecco o numi compiuto … Ah quando cesserà … Lo sdegno io non pavento »

Intermission

Gioachino Rossini

Aureliano in Palmira : Sinfonia

Aureliano in Palmira : Scène et cavaletta d’Arsace « Dolci silvestri orrori… Ah! Che sento… Non lasciarmi in tal momento »

Niccolò Antonio Zingarelli (1752-1837)

Giulietta e Romeo : Ouverture

Saverio Mercadante (1795-1870)

Andronico : Cavatine d’Andronico « Dove m’aggiro … Era felice un dì … Sì bel contento in giubilo »

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

PRESTIGE CATEGORY : Excellent seats, you will receive a 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).

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

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.