Organization

Conductor

Erin Helyard

Costume designer

Melanie Liertz

Singer

Cathy-Di Zhang

soprano

Hannah Fraser

Mezzo soprano

Pinchgut Opera

Michael Petruccelli

Tenor

Lauren Lodge-Campbell

David Greco

Baritone

Lighting designer

Veronique Benett

Stage director

Shannon Burns

Orchestra

Orchestra of the Antipodes

French

Les plaisirs de Versailles -  (The Pleasures of Versailles)

Melbourne

Australia

Melbourne Recital Centre

Sydney City

City Recital Hall

Les plaisirs de Versailles

Public

The Pleasures of Versailles

English

Approved

Les plaisirs de Versailles Charpentier, Marc-Antoine

This is a delightful evening of refined decadence and sophisticated pleasures,
a perfect moment to celebrate the glorious music of the French Baroque, and the sweet simplicity of life itself.
In 1682, Louis XIV initiated the “Fêtes d’appartement”, a series of festivities in the intimate rooms of the Grand Apartments at the Palace of Versailles. Three times a week, from 6 until 10 in the evening, a variety of entertainments were held for the enjoyment of the king and his favourites. Here, Pinchgut presents theatrical representations of two of these divertissements, or “tiny operas” by Charpentier.
Amor vince ogni cosa, a tiny opera on the theme “true love conquers all,” perfectly illustrates Charpentier’s integration of fashionable Italian techniques. Les Plaisirs de Versailles is a witty allegory of an evening’s pleasures  at Versailles. An argument between the refined Music and the chattering Conversation is mediated by Comus, the god of feasting, who offers everyone hot chocolate, wine and nibbles – to no avail. Gambling fares no better with his offerings, but laughter reconciles all discontent!
An exceptional artistic team, featuring movement director Shannon Burns (Platée, 2021 and Orontea, 2022) and soloists including sensational sopranos Cathy-Di Zhang (Platée) and Sofia Troncoso (Orontea) is joined by an expert ensemble of instrumentalists to deliver a musical experience for our audiences to relish.

The Pleasures of Versailles by Charpentier, M., From (2023/2023), Directed by Shannon Burns,, Conductor Erin Helyard, City Recital Hall, Sydney City, Australia

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Cast

Crew

Ensemble

Program, About & Synopsis

Photos

Further reading

Performance Dates & Venues

Venues