“For me, the Vespers is the first cinematic work in the history of music. Monteverdi’s dramatic genius means that each psalm (and especially the first three) is presented as a genuine scene of dramatic action. He sets the scene, and makes us feel, visualise, even touch the music.  Monteverdi exploited all the openings created by the Counter-Reformation. He understood that it was necessary to embrace every medium so that the text would really get to the listener, affect them. This is also what justifies such a large number of musicians: the music of the Vespers is truly immersive; it unfolds in exceptionally rich layers of sound. To attend a performance of Monteverdi’s Vespers is to experience ecstasy.”

Raphaël Pichon.

Taken from the booklet, Vespro della Beata Vergine, 2023, Harmonia Mundi International

With the Vespro della Beata Vergine, Monteverdi created one of the first monuments to European sacred music. At once meditative and theatrical, his score is conceived as a sum of prayers that freely calls upon the expression of joy and perhaps even the greatest sensuality. The Baroque feeling of the music is already fully present in these truly virtuosic vocal pages, which alternate with moments of profound depth entrusted to the instruments.

With these Vespers by Monteverdi, a seminal work composed in 1610, Raphaël Pichon follows on at Versailles from the man who made it his religion: John Eliot Gardiner. This is not a coincidence, but a filiation: for the 2017 Monteverdi anniversary, John Eliot Gardiner asked Raphaël Pichon to perform the Vespers at the festival he directs in Leipzig: a challenge the young conductor and his extraordinary Pygmalion ensemble rose to with utter panache !

Under such auspices, Monteverdi’s choral monument – the true pinnacle of Baroque – once again reaches the highest heights from where Pygmalion has reigned for the past decade, bringing us closer to God than ever before…

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.