Chorégies d’Orange is the oldest French festival, dating back to 1869. From June 20 to August 4, 2018, a programme of operas, ballets and recitals will take place in one of the most beautiful and ancient theatres of Europe.
UNESCO listed, this perfectly preserved classical ancient theatre, a legacy of Imperial Rome built in the 1st century AD, has an impressive 37-meter high stage wall: this is the prestigious setting for the Chorégies d'Orange, the oldest festival in France, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year. The authentic stage wall guarantees remarkable acoustics to delight music lovers who flock from all over the world to experience this exceptional venue. The almost 2000-year-old Théâtre Antique can accommodate an audience of more than 8000, a truly unique setting in Europe.
For the Festival’s 2018 season, there will be eight magnificent evening performances in the ancient theatre. As with every year, the opening night, which will take place on Wednesday, June 20, will pay homage to classical music with Musique en fête, a live television broadcast, bringing the greatest tunes of opera and operetta to a huge audience.
Unique venue with acoustics cherished by music lovers worldwide.
After this very popular event, the festival will start to great fanfare, with a performance on July 5 of the Italian opera Mefistofele, by Boito. Whether you are new to this opera or already know it, you are sure to love the performance with Erwin Schrott and Jean-François Borras in the title roles, accompanied by the renowned Philharmonic Orchestra of Radio France. A night of Russian music will follow on Sunday, July 8.
Other highlights of the festival include Maurice Béjart's ballet The Enchanted Flute on Monday, July 16, and Rossini's Barber of Seville, directed by Adriano Sinivia, on Tuesday, July 31 and Saturday, August 4.
On Friday, August 3, children may accompany their parents for Fantasia – big screen film excerpts and magical music from Walt Disney’s famous film accompanied by the National Orchestra of Lyon. It’s a wonderful chance to listen to the great classics from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Debussy and Saint-Saens.