In 1607 in Mantua, Claudio Monteverdi premièred his Orfeo, a favola in musica, for the opening of Carnival at the Court Theatre of Duke Vincenzo I of Gonzaga. For the first time in the history of music, real characters were driven by deeply moving human feelings. With this exceptional dramatic force, modern opera was born. Stéphane Fuget is one of the great experts in this repertoire, specialising in historical ornamentation on the most illustrious stages. The Ensemble Les Épopées that he directs brings together a first-rate group of vocal and instrumental virtuosos, all acclaimed specialists in the Italian Seicento.

The CD recording they made together of Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria, also by Monteverdi, has proven to be the great modern benchmark for this legendary score; this time, L’Orfeo will be given in concert, to mark the release of its recording, with the splendid and sensitive Julian Prégardien singing all the magnificence of the first true hero in the history of opera.

Royal Opera / Château de Versailles Spectacles Coproduction.

First part: 1h20

Intermission

Second part: 40 min

Favola in musica in five acts with prologue to a libretto by Alessandro Striggio, first performed in Mantua in 1607.

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.