Arriving in Rome in 1707, the young Handel dazzled the city’s elite with his exceptional talent. He became the fashionable composer and his fame grew so fast that he was called to Naples, where he premièred his pastoral Aci, Galatea e Polifemo in July 1708, at the Court Theatre in the Ducal Palace of Piedimonte Matese for a lavish wedding.

A small opera initially intended for the private sphere, Acis and Galatea was Handel’s most performed work during his lifetime. This masterpiece – miniature drama, semi-opera, pastoral or mask, so difficult it is to define – has been reworked on numerous occasions. It offers a brilliant synthesis of English and Italian styles, with da capo arias and a considerable choral contribution.

The synopsis comes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, which had already inspired Lully to write an opera (1686), and boldly blends comedy and tragedy.

Little by little, the gauzy lightness of the Arcadian landscapes, where the love between the shepherd Acis and the nymph Galatea blossoms, is eclipsed by darker, more disturbing atmospheres: the young Acis is savagely killed by the cyclops Polyphemus, who is jealous of his love for Galatea.

The grieving nymph nevertheless gives herself over to peace by transforming her lost love into a god, in the form of a spring that flows through the meadows.

Leonardo García-Alarcón leads his Cappella Mediterranea from the organ in this music that was admired by none other than Mozart, who even made a German version.

Acis und Galatea HWV 49

Semi-opera in two acts, based on texts by John Gay after Ovid’s Metamorphoses, first performed in London in 1731.

Show in English with French and English surtitles.

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).

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.