Messiah is a work whose reputation goes beyond all others by the composer. This oratorio was premièred in Dublin in 1742, and it met with resounding success from the very beginning: so great was the demand for tickets that gentlemen were asked to “refrain from wearing their swords” and ladies to avoid “dresses with skirt-hoops” in order to make more room for attendees and thereby enhance the revenue “intended for charitable work”. For the grand alto aria “He was despised”, the Reverend Delany, overcome with emotion, stood and cried out to the singer, “Woman, for this may all your sins be pardoned ! ”

Revived in London, Messiah quickly became Handel’s signature work. Performed thirty-six times during his lifetime, it quickly represented the epitome of sublime and majestic music. Charles Jennens constructed the libretto dedicated to Christ in three parts: Nativity, Passion and Resurrection, and Redemption. The ideal alternation of solo arias and choruses is admirable, and Handel’s lyrical science is omnipresent in the arias: by turns soothing and victorious, they are among the composer’s most beautiful. The memorable choruses have remained in our minds and ears for over two hundred and fifty years. In London, King George II was so moved by the Hallelujah that he rose to his feet, followed by the entire audience, and every British audience since.

Le Chœur et l’Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal, directed by Gaétan Jarry, will make a marvellous accompaniment to the quartet of the very finest young singers.

Productions of the Royal Opera.

First part : 1h20

Intermission

Second part : 1h10

Concert in English with French 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.