In Baroque Europe, castrati held an extraordinary place: they were the first stars in the history of music. Almost all were Italian and trained in the conservatoires of Naples, dedicating themselves to careers in opera or serving in the most prestigious princely chapels, including the Vatican and the Royal Chapel of Versailles – often combining both.

In many productions of operas and sacred oratorios, from Vienna to London, castrati systematically took the title role (in Rome, all the female roles) and several important roles, creating a real competition on the stage. It became a contest of virtuosity and emotion between singers, with the audience acting as referee, as much through their requests for encore performances as through the sumptuous gifts lavished on the most adored. The opera was regularly supplemented by the “suitcase” arias that the most sought-after castrati brought with them to shine.

With a trio as extraordinary as that formed by Nicolò Balducci, Théo Imart and Rémy Brès-Feuillet, the audience is in for a top-class competition: baroque to the highest degree, the emulation between these primi uomi was the attraction of Italian operas. The most thrilling of these vocal dynamics is brought to life by the voices of three countertenors in an evening of castrato glory.

The Royal Opera Productions.

CD available in the Château de Versailles Spectacles collection.

The Three Counter-tenors !

The return of the great castrato virtuosity competition.

Aria by Handel, Vivaldi, Porpora…

DOGE CATEGORY : The finest seats in the house, a complimentary programme, an invitation to a cocktail reception with free-flowing champagne (opening 45 minutes before the show and during the intermission, where applicable).

PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY : The finest 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.