King Arthur
October 2025 | ||||||
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Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
King Arthur – Henry Purcell | Opera in concert
Duration: approximately 1h 30
Sung in English, surtitled in French / English
A true gem of English Baroque to tell the grand story of the United Kingdom.
This semi-opera tells the birth of the United Kingdom through the victory of King Arthur over the Saxon invader. Purcell delivers one of his most elegant stage works, alternating drama, humor, and fairy-tale elements. All the finesse and wit of the English spirit in the service of great history. In keeping with a tradition specific to the English, it is common to stage state ceremonies (coronations, weddings, funerals). Purcell composed for numerous royal events, and deeply attached to Queen Mary II, he dedicated one of his most moving pieces for her funeral.
Program and cast
Hélène Guilmette | soprano
Floriane Hasler | mezzo-soprano
Cyril Auvity | haute-contre
Robin Tritschler | tenor
Andreas Wolf | bass
Le Concert Spirituel
Hervé Niquet | conductor
Programme
First part of the programme
Purcell: Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
Production: Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
The Théâtre des Champs- Elysées is undoubtedly one of the finest venues in Paris . Built in 1913 , it has the distinction of having been designed by a group of artists architects Henry Van de Velde and Auguste Perret , the painter and sculptor Antoine Bourdelle , the painter Maurice Denis , and the crystal- René Lalique to do mention the main ones . He was the first Parisian theater to be built entirely of reinforced concrete.
Restoration of the Great Hall devoted to operatic performances , symphony concerts and dance was decided in 1985. Two years later , on 23 September 1987, the theater reopened its doors , completely renovated. Fifteen years after this important work it was decided to undertake a new renovation campaign , but to prevent the complete closure of the theater for an entire season , work is now carried by step during the summer . Then it is to replace aging equipment , to remedy wear certain parts of the theater and improve spectator comfort and artists during their visit . Thus in recent years, including the work involved the renovation of marble facade, replacing the carpet in the room with wooden floors , installation of a new fully decorated wooden concert to a significant improvement of acoustics, the orchestra pit and stage below .
The Théâtre des Champs- Elysées is now a modern working tool receiving each year nearly 300,000 spectators and a few thousands of artists and collaborators.
The Théâtre des Champs- Elysées , the jewel of French architecture of the twentieth century, was in 1953 one of the first buildings of contemporary architectural heritage to be classified as historic monuments . Since 1970 the Caisse des Dépôts owns the entire building 15 avenue Montaigne and principal patron of the theater.
For over a century, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées has been the place where the most celebrated artists have come to make their names in Paris. The world’s finest orchestras and world-class soloists have always been a fixture at the Theatre. Théâtre des Champs-Elysées presents more than 200 concerts each year and is renowned for its outstanding performances of all genres, from classical music concerts and staged opera to contemporary dance and jazz.
How to reach us:
Subway: Alma-Marceau (line 9), Franklin D.Roosevelt (line 1), Pont de l’Alma (RER line C)
Bus: n° 42, 63, 72, 80, 92
Taxi station: Place de l’Alma, corner of avenue George V
Car park: Alma George V. The entrance is in front of n° 19, avenue George V
Fixed rate depending on the length of the performance. Payment upon entering.