When Syria was a land of crusades and myths, the Queen Armide did not only abduct christian knights but captivated them by her charms. As Renaud, the bravest one, undertakes the liberation of his comrades, the unconquerable witch unexpectedly falls in love with him. This unholy passion proves to be devastating…

Inspired by Tasso, Lully’s Armide had been illustrating the climax of French opera since 1686. Writing a new score from Quinet’s libretto, 91 years later, was a challenge. But as he settled in Paris, Gluck pushed his conception of scenic truth, musical expression and tragedy effectiveness forward thanks to Queen Marie-Antoinette, who witnessed the triumph of her protégé.

Lilo Baur, stage director, and Christophe Rousset, musical director, enliven the battles, the enchantments and giddy passions overwhelming one of the greatest heroines of the repertoire, embodied by Véronique Gens, for her first leading role at the Opéra Comique.

Heroic drama in five acts. Libretto by Philippe Quinault. Created at the Académie royale de musique (Opéra) in 1777

Musical direction Christophe Rousset • Stage direction Lilo Baur • With Véronique Gens, Ian Bostridge, Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Anaïk Morel, Philippe Estèphe, Enguerrand de Hys, Florie Valiquette, Apolline Rai-Westphal • Choir Les éléments • Orchestra Les Talens lyriques

See all the cast

2h40 including intermission
145, 125, 100, 75, 50, 35, 15, 6 €
Performing in French, French and English subtitles

16 seats are dedicated to people with reduced mobility, on reservation at the box office or by phone. Access to the lift is located 5 rue Favart
+33 1 70 23 01 44 | accessibilite@opera-comique.com

Headsets and magnetic loops are available at the ticket inspection desk, on deposit of your ID. Material in Braille and large prints is available free of charge, on site.

Relax sessions

Relax sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability (autism, multiple disabilities, mental or psychic disability, Alzheimer…) may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Aged 10 and older

Before the show

Keys to the show

With Agnès Terrier | Salle Bizet
Free 45 min. before the performance

Sing some tunes

Foyer Favart
Free 45 min. before the performance

Accessibility

Relax sessions
One Relax session is available on 13 November 2022
RELAX sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability (autism, multiple disabilities, mental or psychic disability, Alzheimer…) may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

More info on this page