See Ballet & Opera Masterworks in Paris this February

6 December 2017

Discover Dialogues des Carmélites & Irina Kolesnikova in Swan Lake at Théâtre des Champs Elysées

Step inside the iconic Art Deco façade of Théâtre des Champs Elysées and discover masterworks of ballet and opera repertoires - as Francis Poulenc’s thrilling Dialogues des Carmélites and Swan Lake starring Irina Kolesnikova arrive in Paris! Both of which can be cherished with a luxury stay at Amarante Champs-Elysées, situated just minutes from the fabled theatre!

Dialogues des Carmélites

7th February – 16th February 2018

Join Blanche de la Force amid the terror and turbulence of Paris in 1789, as the timid girl joins a convent of nuns, against the wishes of her family. In the monastery she meets Constance, a sprightly peasant girl, who makes a shocking prophecy. The rest? You’ll simply have to discern for yourself. But be warned, Francis Poulenc’s insight into revolution-ravaged France culminates with one of opera’s most devastating finales. 

For February’s performances, Dialogues des Carmélites will once again be reimagined by Olivier Py - whose inaugural interpretation of the opera enchanted audiences and critics alike; along with prestigious awards-bodies like the Grand Prix du Syndicat de la Critique. Fortunately, when Dialogues returns, so too will the key components which made the opera a resounding triumph the first time around.

Beginning with the all-star cast, led by the mesmerising Patricia Petibon as Blanche - Poulenc’s helpless heroine and spiritual heart of Dialogues des Carmélites. A returning Sophie Koch as Mother Marie and Véronique Gens as Madame Lidoine complete the original lineup; bolstered this time around by opera luminaries Sabine Devieilhe and Anne Sofie von Otter. 

Prosperously, little too has changed in the pit; with the Orchestre National de France, led by the wonderfully responsive Jérémie Rhorer once again supplying the harmonies of Poulenc’s thrilling score. But, perhaps most significant is the retention of Olivier Py’s refreshingly straightforward, intelligent staging.

Ultimately, any good performance of Dialogues des Carmélites makes a profound impact; and the omens are looking good this February (for us, at least).

Irina Kolesnikova in Swan Lake

21st February – 23rd February 2018

This February, Irina Kolesnikova will reprise her finest role in this classic version of the masterpiece by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa - as Swan Lake prepares to illuminate once more, the hallowed stage of Théâtre des Champs Elysées.

Such is the mastery of Irina Kolesnikova in ballet’s most demanding role - the twinned lead of Odette, the radiant White Swan; and Odile, the deceitful Black Swan - Swan Lake is worth seeing simply for the prima ballerina alone. But gainfully, she is not alone; as the soloists, dancers and Orchestra of the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre join Kolesnikova, to enhance these enchanting evenings yet further.

In this timeless tale of love, deceit and ultimately death; climaxes are rampant throughout. Though, none are more magical than the great pas de deux of Acts II and III - testing the full range of a ballerina’s abilities - which Kolesnikova readily reveals with gorgeous fluidity of arms and back. But, just in case her dazzling technique isn’t enthralling enough, a sublime supporting cast also impress - principally in the majestic Dance of the Little Swans, where thirty dancers glide across the moonlit lake in flawless formation. 

Not forgetting the haunting score by Tchaikovsky; among the most instantly recognisable in all of ballet - which on the evenings, will be masterfully reimagined by the Orchestra of the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre. 

So, prepare to strap in for this harmonious, hair-raising journey, as you delight in an evening with Irina Kolesnikova and St Petersburg Ballet Theatre, for a pulsating performance of Swan Lake.

Evenings of Opera & Ballet with Amarante Champs-Elysées 

Are you heading to Paris for these shows or any others at Théâtre des Champs Elysées? Complete your excursion with a luxury four-star stay at Amarante Champs-Elysées and benefit from our convenient location mere minutes from the venue!