From the heroes of Metastasio performed by castrati to the countless cross-dressing or “breeches” roles in the romantic repertoire, it is fair to say that gender is a fluid concept in opera.  In the mid-18th century, it was in no way shocking for kings and gods to be played by artists with evanescent voices, nor, later, for the spirited Cherub in The Marriage of Figaro to sing in the shimmering colours of a mezzo-soprano’s timbre.

Their Master’s Voice is a concept born out of a desire shared by two mutually admiring artists, John Malkovich – the unforgettable Valmont in Stephen Frears’ Dangerous Liaisons – and Cecilia Bartoli, an artist on a constant quest for reinvention.

This show sees the composer and music master to the greatest voices of his time, Nicola Porpora (1686-1768), famed for his operas performed in Naples, Venice, Vienna and London, come up against his prestigious students, the castrati Farinelli and Caffarelli. At once a theatrical narrative and musical celebration, with the baroque period’s great arias for castrati, this “gender duel” will teach us more about the composer/educator and his essential contribution to the glory of this angelic-voiced singers. Porpora, who was Handel’s rival in London, offers the castrati a medley of extraordinary arias in which to shine brighter than ever before.

The Austrian writer and director Michael Sturminger will be tasked with creating this custom performance, presented first in Monte-Carlo and then at the Opéra Royal de Versailles, followed by the Barocchissimo event at the Vienna Staatsoper.

Georg Friedrich Haendel (1685-1759)

Rinaldo : ouverture

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)

Confitebor tibi domine : « Confessio »

Antonio Vivaldi

Farnace : « Gelido in ogni vena »

Georg Friedrich Haendel (1685-1759)

Jephtha : « How dark, O Lord, are thy decrees »

Amadigi di Gaula : « Desterò dall’empia »

Agostino Steffani (1654-1728)

Niobe, regina di Tebe : « Amami, e verdrai »

Georg Friedrich Haendel

Orlando Furioso : « Sol da te, mio dolce amore »

Semele 

« Avert these omens! »

« Ah me! Too late I now repent »

« Oh, terror and astonishment »

Ariodante : « Battaglia »

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi

Stabat mater : « Quando corpus »

Georg Friedrich Haendel

Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno : « Lascia la spina »

Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

L’incoronazione di Poppea : « Pur ti miro »

DOGE CATEGORY: Best seats, a free programme, an invitation to the cocktail reception (opening 45 min before the show) and unlimited champagne.

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).

To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89.

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).