The Abduction from the Seraglio
June 2026 | ||||||
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The Abduction from the Seraglio – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Opera
Duration: approximately 2h30
Sung in German, with French/English surtitles
Performance with audio description: Friday, 12 June 2026, 7:30 pm
The Abduction, where fanciful exoticism meets the youthful spirit so characteristic of young Mozart.
Long overlooked, The Abduction from the Seraglio is now recognized as one of the significant works in Mozart’s operatic catalogue. The stylistic contrasts once criticized are now celebrated as marks of an engaging diversity, where the nobility and virtuosity of Konstanze blend beautifully with Blonde’s lively charm and Osmin’s irresistible humor. Its unique place stems from the fact that it stands at the crossroads of two periods—Mozart was 26 at the time—and reveals both the spontaneity of youth and the finesse of a mature composer.
The libretto is the result of a long chain of literary borrowings from English (Dryden) and French (Marmontel) sources. Though cloaked in “Turquerie”, the subject in fact conveys a deeply serious theme dear to the French Encyclopedists: the monopoly of noble emotions. A false exoticism, perhaps, but one filled with tenderness and irresistible charm—a formula Rossini would remember a few years later.
Program and cast
Laurence Equilbey | conductor
Florent Siaud | stage director
Romain Fabre | set design
Jean-Daniel Vuillermoz | costumes
Nicolas Descoteaux | lighting
Eric Maniengui | video
Jessica Pratt | Konstanze
Amitai Pati | Belmonte
Ante Jerkunica | Osmin
Lunga Eric Hallam | Pedrillo
Manon Lamaison | Blonde
Uli Kirsch | Selim
Insula Orchestra
Accentus
New production
Coproduction: Théâtre des Champs-Élysées | Insula Orchestra
In partnership with france.tv
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.