Considered Handel’s most perfect opera, Ariodante includes some of the most famous arias in the baroque repertoire. Inspired by Ariosto’s Orlando furioso, the libretto takes us to medieval Scotland, where the love between the knight Ariodante and Ginevra is thwarted by the machinations of the sinister Polinesso. But a final twist will save the hero from despair and blindness, in an unexpected happy ending…

Stefan Plewniak restores eloquence and vitality to this work written with particular care by Handel. The composer had to ensure that he would be recognised by London audiences, despite competition from a new company that had taken his stars away from him. This attention to the vocal parts – with great arias of extreme difficulty – is also reflected in the orchestra, whose virtuosity dazzled listeners. Exceptional soloists at Versailles will take up the legacy of the 1735 London première, acting as visionary historians and painters of emotions, involving the musicians of the Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal in a rich palette of colours full of effects and meaning.

Royal Opera Productions / Château de Versailles Spectacles.

With the generous support of the Françoise Kahn-Hamm Endowment Fund.

This show has been made possible through the generous support of ADOR – the Friends of the Royal Opera.

Dramma per musica in three acts, with a libretto by Antonio Salvi, premiered at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, in 1735.

New Royal Opera Productions.

Show in Italian with surtitles in French and English.

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.

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.