3h30 with 1 intermission
Place de l’Opéra - 75009 Paris France- Venue's Capacity: 2054
Subtitles in French and English for Operas.
In the land of Descartes, the words «Opéra de Paris» more readily designate a concept than an actual lyrical théâtre! Called «The Royal Academy of Music and Dance» under the reign of Monsieur de Lully and «The Impérial Academy» according to différent jolitical events, the institution was rebaptized a number of time s before settling into the "alais Garnier in 1875. This sumptuous édifice, with every last détail (including the door 'cnobs...) designed by Charles Garnier, brings together the most eclectic architectural éléments. When Napoléon III worried about the buildings differing styles, Garnier reassured him by explaining "hat the design was at the forefront of a new style, called «Napoléon III.» And legend has it that 'he building was constructed on a little lake, in which the Opera's administration bred fish...
Some call to remember the era of Felia Litvimne (1863-1936) and her vast repertoire, including Tannhâuser, La Juive and Lully’AlCESTE. Others remember the casts billed by Jacques Rouché between 1915 and 1945, an era during which Georges Thill sung both Massenet and Wagner in French. In 1939, the Palais Garnier's Grand Opéra and the Salle Favart's Cornic Opéra were united under the management of a common admînistrator, the «Réunion des Théâtres Lyriques Nationaux.» And 1964 marks the year during which the old ceiling of the Palais Garnier was covered with a colorfiil fresco by Chagall.
More recently, opéra lovers recall the magnificent Liebermann years, during which, in 1973, Rolf Liebermann, then the Opera's administrator, called upon the know-how of a musical advisor named Georg Solti! In 1989, the very modem Bastille Opéra was opened and the Salle Favart became indépendant once again. The Garnier Théâtre was then reserved for dance, and. together with the Bastille, became part of the «Association des Théâtres de l'Opéra de Paris,» rebaptized «Opéra National de Paris» in 1994. In the midst of thèse numerous changes, the Palais Garnier has recently under-gone thorough restoration, and since March 1996, lyrical productions are once again programmed on its stage. To opera lovers' great satisfaction, the famous théâtre has thus revived its past splendeur and a programming worthy of its glorious history.
