Have you been to The Theatre des Champs-Elysées? Despite the name, it is not on Les Champs-Elysées but not far at all, Avenue Montaigne. I must say that I did not know much about the place (despite being a Parisian!) and I was so pleasantly surprised when I visited it. It is a hidden gem with a rich history and a fantastic program. It is one of the most beautiful theaters in Paris and now they are offering FUSAC readers a chance to hear two American lyrical singers at 30% off.
First up is Charles Castronovo, tenor, with Ludovic Tézier, baritone, performing Messa di Gloria by Giacomo Puccini. This brilliant work written with passion and which allows us to delve into the most intimate and spiritual side of Puccini. Use this link for a 30% discount: Choix des places [Théâtre des Champs-Elysées | 12.05.2022 – 20:00 | Messa di Gloria – Puccini] – Théâtre des Champs-Elysées (theatrechampselysees.fr)
The week after offers us A rare display of double tessitura in this ‘baritenore’ recital by Michael Spyres performing Mozart, Spontini, Rossini, Donizetti and more. To take advantage of this opportunity for 30% off use this link Code avantage – Théâtre des Champs-Elysées (theatrechampselysees.fr)
The Theatre des Champs-Elysées opened in 1913. Ganna Walska, a rich American, financed the theatre for decades. The building is remarkable for having been designed by a group of very well-known artists : architects Henry Van de Velde, Auguste Perret; the painter and sculptor Antoine Bourdelle; the painter Maurice Denis, and the crystal maker René Lalique amongst others. It was the first building to be made entirely out of reinforced concrete. The Théâtre is a jewel of 20th century French architecture and it was one of the first modern edifices to become a listed building, figuring on the register of the Monuments historiques.
Since its beginning the Theatre des Champs-Elysées has been a reference point as a major concert hall and opera house. The creator, Gabriel Astruc, wanted Paris to have a concert hall to rival those of its European neighbours. The theatre has always been home to diverse art forms such as opera, ballet, symphony concert and recitals. There is a very long list of artists who graced its stage from Joséphine Baker to Claude Nougaro or Elton John. Note that without going to see a show, you can also sometimes visit the theatre with a guide to learn about its rich past and all the beautiful sculpture and paintings inside.
Photo: Hartl Meyer
Note also that they created the American Friends of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in order to widen their patrons’ circle worldwide. Building bridges between France and the United States is one of their main objectives. Play your part and deepen your involvment with the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées! Support them and enjoy many behind-the-scene benefits. By donating to the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, you will associate your name with a remarkable institution committed to providing arts of the highest quality. More info here.
Practical Information :
Le Theatre des Champs Elysées
15 avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris
01 49 52 50 50
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Photo: Hartl Meyer
