Leonardo García-Alarcón will once again take to the stage at the Royal Opera to conduct Jean-Philippe Rameau’s third opera with Cappella Mediterranea and the  Chœur de Chambre de Namur.

Castor et Pollux explores the theme of the power of sacrifice and brotherly bonds in the face of divine laws. Pollux, the immortal son of Jupiter, renounces his immortality to descend to the Underworld and bring his brother Castor back to life. Rameau explores the intertwining of brotherly love against a backdrop of heroism and echoes of war.

Already the author of numerous pieces for keyboard, religious works and occasional pieces, Jean-Philippe Rameau, by then in his fifties, composed in 1733 his first lyric tragedy, Hippolyte et Aricie. Les Indes galantes followed in 1735, and finally, in 1737, Castor et Pollux. The composer incorporates Italianate madrigalisms, virtuoso ornamentation, unusual chord progressions, subtle dissonances, and rich orchestral textures into these five acts punctuated by dance interludes, all aimed at emphasising the characters’ emotions and dramatic tensions.

Tragedy in music in one prologue and five acts, with a libretto by Gentil-Bernard, premiered at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in 1737.

Concert in French, 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.