Chorégies d'Orange 2023
Chorégies d'Orange 2023
A magnificent rain of stars will fall on the Chorégies in July. Anna Netrebko, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Evgeny Kissin, La Scala Ballet in Milan, Kyle Eastwood, Khatia Buniatishvili, Yusif Eyvazov and a host of artists enthusiastically agreed to join for perform in the magical setting of the Théâtre Antique. They thus show us their confidence and their wish sharing with as many people as possible. This beneficial rain will be remembered of those who have chosen to expose themselves to it.
In 2023, the entire Festival team is happy to offer you an edition which sees the great return of Carmen to the Chorégies. The masterpiece of French opera remains the portrait, more relevant than ever, of a woman who wants to remain free like "a rebellious bird", at the risk of her own life.
La Scala in Milan is honoring the Chorégies with a new collaboration after the wonderful concert of 2022. This summer, the La Scala ballet will be making the trip for an exceptional evening.
The Chorégies also seduce the greatest soloists, since they will welcome on their stage two women of undeniable talent, one pianist, Khatia Buniatishvili, the other singer, Anna Netrebko as well as the great pianist Evgeny Kissin who chose the Roman Theater for an exceptional recital.
Finally, many other events await you, such as the cinéconcert which also appeals to the youngest or an evening devoted to music from Clint Eastwood's films, performed by his son, Kyle Eastwood, surrounded for the occasion by his quintet and of the National Orchestra of Avignon Provence.
About the Chorégies d'Orange
The Chorégies d'Orange are today the oldest French festival since they date from 1869. But they have, over the years, kept all their originality: by the name they carry, from the Greek "choreos" which links them to the Greco-Latin tradition; by the place in which they take place each summer: an ancient theater perfectly preserved, of a capacity of reception of 8300 people and which has the privilege to have preserved its "Wall", guarantee of an exceptional acoustics; by the lyrical and musical vocation that they gave themselves and which allows them to be at the head of the great French festivals and to have an indisputable international reputation.
A festival began in Orange in 1860 and was held periodically, but it was only after the Roman theatre was restored in 1869 that it became the location of a popular “Roman Festival” which celebrated the glory of Rome and included a performance of Méhul’s opera, Joseph. All the major players of the French classical stage appeared in the Orange festivals, including Sarah Bernhardt who played “Phèdre” in 1903.
In 1902, the festival was given a new name, the “Chorégies,” and it was planned to take place annually. The name comes from the Greek χορηγός khorêgós "choir leader." Until 1969, the Chorégies consisted of plays, alternating with musical works, opera and symphonies. However, after that date, Orange became solely an opera festival and theatrical works were performed at Avignon.
In 1971, the “New Chorégies” began, with a format not unlike the present one where only about six performances are given during the month-long festival, typically two performances of two operas along with a recital or concert. It quickly became an international success with many major international singers appearing.
