Back by popular demand, WICE is again offering an exclusive opportunity to
visit the beautiful Art Deco Théâtre des Champs-Elysées
– prestigious home of the Orchestre National de France. Built in 1913, the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées’ understated façade hides the
artistically stunning interior. On this
guided tour, you will go behind the scenes to learn about the illustrative
history of this theater – including why it’s not actually located on the Champs-Elysées - as
well as admire all of its artistic adornments.
The design by the Perret brothers, artwork by Maurice Denis, Antoine
Bourdelle, and Edouard Vuillard, and lights by René Lalique all work
together to create a harmonious theater of beauty.  |
| photo courtesy of Théâtre des Champs-Elysées |
Home to three different stages where
visitors can attend operas, ballets, concerts, recitals, and repertory theatre,
the jewel of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées is the Grand Théâtre with its
ceiling frescoes by Maurice Denis. With four panels covering
over 300 square meters, the impressive frescoes illustrate Denis’
interpretation of the history of music. Images
of Greek art, symphony, opera, and tragedy are shown in each panel, along with
key composers, singers, and dancers such as Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, Carmen,
Don Juan, and Nijinski. Denis completed
these frescoes in less than three months in his workshop in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
and for a sly personal touch, he included images of his own family members
amongst the musical masters.
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| photo courtesy of Théâtre des Champs-Elysées |
The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées has a
strong history of modernization and historical moments. This theatre was the first such building to be
built out of concrete during a time when concrete was strictly reserved for
buildings with industrial purposes. Although the Grand Théâtre has a seating capacity of 2000, its innovative design still keeps an intimate
feeling of closeness between the spectators and the performers.
Shortly
after the theatre’s opening in 1913, it presented the noteworthy premiere of the Rite of Spring.
With this orchestral work composed by Igor Stravinski and accompanied by a
performance of the extraordinary Russian Ballet dancer, Vaslav Nijinski, one
would have expected sublime adoration on the part of the audience, however the
conservative viewers shocked by the new music and non-traditional dance steps,
lashed out in an angry uproar that resulted in 40 people being removed from the
theatre.
Throughout its 100 year history, the Théâtre des
Champs-Elysées has been host to a rich variety of musical artists and
performers, including Duke Ellington, Elton John, Miles Davis, and Pink Floyd. To celebrate its centennial, last July the Théâtre
des Champs-Elysées held the Bal de Centaire. In honor of
Josephine Baker’s first performance in Paris having taken place at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in 1925, the theme of the evening was dedicated
to her and the roaring ‘20s. To prepare
for the festivities, seats were removed from the Grand Théâtre, in order to install a
temporary dance floor, so that the lucky party revelers could move to the music
all night long.
*****
- For more info and to register for this guided tour, click here: WICEvisit - Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
- Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2014
- Time: 10am
- Location: 15 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
- For more information about performances visit Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
- WICE Membership Benefit: WICE Members receive a 15% discount on performances at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. For more info, visit WICE Benefits.
- Check out WICE’s other Visits and Walks at, Paris Walks & Visits.
Post by Veronica Kugler