Few venues in the world evoke the majesty, history, and artistry of the Royal Opera of Versailles.
Designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and inaugurated in 1770, the Royal Opera House is widely regarded as one of the finest architectural achievements of its time. Gilded in elegance and built with innovation, it was once the largest concert hall in Europe and remains a living monument to the performing arts and French cultural heritage.
For members and friends of the French-American Cultural Foundation, this treasured institution comes to life each year during the ADOR Gala at the Château de Versailles – a spectacular evening of music and celebration that serves as the culmination of our Annual Paris Popup Trip.
Now, for the first time in history, the Royal Opera of Versailles is crossing the Atlantic.
This summer, the Royal Opera Orchestra embarks on a landmark North American tour, performing in Napa Valley, New York, Montréal, and Toronto.
Their debut includes Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment, a baroque concert at Festival Napa Valley, and The Last Castrato – a tribute to Carlo Maria Velutti featuring the extraordinary countertenor Franco Fagioli – presented at Printemps Downtown and the Alliance Française in New York, and Canada’s leading summer music festivals.
The tour brings with it not only world-class musicianship but also the deep legacy of the Royal Opera – a venue first envisioned by Louis XIV and realized by Louis XV. From its early days as a stage for princely weddings and parliamentary debates to its present-day acclaim as one of France’s cultural jewels, the Opera’s story has always been one of ambition, reinvention, and artistic excellence.
The French-American Cultural Foundation is proud to welcome the Royal Opera of Versailles to American audiences and invites you to attend a showing of this historic moment of transatlantic cultural exchange.
Festival Napa Valley
July 18th: Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment (staged performance)
July 19th: Baroque Concert
Death of Classical Festival
July 21st: New York – Printemps Downtown
The Last Castrato, Tribute to Velutti
The Royal Opera Orchestra & Franco Fagioli
Featuring the distinguished soloist Franco Fagioli. In tribute to the legendary castrato, Carlo Maria Velutti.
July 23rd: New York at Alliance Française
July 26th: Montréal – Festival de Lanaudière
July 29th: Toronto Summer Music
Learn more about upcoming performances here.