For the first time, two prestigious arts institutions from the Palace of Versailles in France - the Royal Opera of the Château de Versailles and the Royal Opera Academy - are coming together to perform in China, presenting the most authentic Versailles court opera and grand ceremonial art. The production combines immersive multimedia showcasing Versailles Palace with live Baroque music performed with Opera Singers wearing in period costumes.

About the Show

This performance brings the grandeur of Versailles’ royal Baroque arts to Shanghai. Audiences can experience immersive projections of the palace’s secret spaces while the Royal Opera of Versailles Orchestra performs works by Baroque masters including Lully, Rameau, Purcell, Handel, and Vivaldi. Opera Singers appear in authentic Baroque costumes, recreating the ceremony and splendor of the French royal court.

Performers

Orchestre de l'Opéra Royal de Versailles

Official resident orchestra of Versailles Palace, performing hundreds of concerts annually and specializing in 17–18th century repertoire.

Gaetan Jarry | Conductor

French conductor and organist, founder of Baroque ensemble Marguerite Louise, permanent conductor of the Versailles Royal Opera Orchestra, guest conductor at London Baroque Festival, and former director of Oxford New College Choir.

Sarah Charles | Soprano

One of the first members of the Versailles Royal Opera Academy, with performances across major stages including Versailles, Toulouse, Clermont-Ferrand, Vichy, Tours, Paris, and Venice.

Pauline Gaillard | Soprano

Versailles Royal Opera Academy alumna, violinist background, debut in Monteverdi's Orfeo, winner of international vocal competitions.

Flore Royer | Mezzo-soprano

French mezzo-soprano, trained at Paris Conservatoire, active in Baroque and early classical repertoire.

Jeremie Delvert | Baritone

Specializing in Baroque and early classical repertoire, known for clear diction and refined style, frequently performs with Versailles Royal Opera.

Event Program

(Order may vary on the day of the performance)

Jean-Baptiste Lully

• Atys, Overture – Louis XIV's favorite opera
• Atys, "Espoir si chers et doux"
• Atys, Act 4, Prélude pour les fleuves
• Atys, Act 4, Scene 5, "Que l'on chante"
• Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Chaconne
• Armide, Act 3, Scene 3, "Venez, venez Haine implacable"

Jean-Philippe Rameau

• Les Indes Galantes, Ouverture
• Hippolyte et Aricie, Act 2, Scene 4, "Puisque Pluton"
• Hippolyte et Aricie, Act 3, Scene 1, Prélude
• Castor et Pollux, "Tristes Apprets"
• Les Indes Galantes, Les Turcs, Tambourin
• Platée, "Formons les plus brillants concerts"

Intermission

Henry Purcell

• Timon of Athens, Act 3, Curtain Tune
• King Arthur, "What Power art Thou"
• Dido and Aeneas, Prelude for the Witches
• Dido and Aeneas, "But ere we this perform"
• Dido and Aeneas, "When I am Laid in Earth"

George Frideric Handel

• Serse, Ouverture
• Serse, "Ombra mai fu"
• Ariodante, "Dopo Notte"
• Suite No.4, Sarabande
• Rinaldo, "Lascia ch'io pianga"

Antonio Vivaldi

• Orlando Furioso, I. Movement
• Orlando Furioso, "Sol da te"
• Griselda, "Agitata da due venti"
• Juditha Triumphans, "Armatae Face"
• Senna Festeggiante, Coro: "Il Destino, la sorte e il fato"

Why Go

This show gives audiences the chance to experience Versailles’ Baroque grandeur without traveling to France. Immersive projections, authentic period costumes, and a wide selection of works from masters like Lully, Rameau, Purcell, Handel, and Vivaldi combine to create a rare cultural experience that blends visual spectacle with historical music performance.