After having staged Gluck’s preclassical Armide in 2022, the Opéra‑Comique invites Christophe Rousset and Lilo Baur to return to the source in the same decor by Bruno de Lavenère.

When Syria was a land of crusades and myths, the Queen Armide captivated her audiences more than she captured Christian knights: her charms were sovereigns. However, when the brave Renaud sets out to free his companions, the unconquerable sorceress falls in love with him. Her unholy love proves to be quite destructive…

Written on a subject chosen by Louis XIV, Quinault’s libretto was the inspiration for Lully’s most beautiful opus of their collaboration. It was also the last, since both of them died soon after. Popular under the name of “ladies’ opera”, Armide was the very first French opera to be performed in Italy. It went on to becoming a model of the genre for Europeans of the Enlightenment.

Musical Tragedy in five acts and one prologue. Libretto by Philippe Quinault based on La Jérusalem délivrée by Le Tasse. Created at the académie Royale De Musique on 15th February 1686.

Editions Nicolas Sceaux

Musical direction Christophe Rousset • Stage direction Lilo Baur • With Ambroisine Bré, Cyrille Dubois, Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Anas Séguin, Lysandre Châlon, Enguerrand de Hys, Florie Valiquette, Apolline Raï-Westphal • Orchestra Les Talens Lyriques • Choir Les éléments

See all the cast

Estimated duration : 3h, including intermission - Salle Favart
165, 135, 110, 75, 50, 35, 15, 6 €

Show performed in French with French and English surtitles

The doors of the opera-house open 45 minutes before the performance.

Audio description (EN)

Some operas are available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.
More info on this page

People with reduced mobility

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

Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing

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

Les pléiades

Around the show
As you will discover, each lyrical production will be supported by “Pleiades” extending and enriching its content in accessible, offbeat, prospective or intimate formats.

Event

Armide evening

June 21 to 23, 2024

Concerts and recitals

Masterclass at the Académie

June 15, 2024

Seminars

Les Italiens dans la musique française

June 13 to 14, 2024

Family event

Young audiences programme

Sharing songs

May 30 to June 01, 2024

Before the show

To discover

45 minutes before the performance : The keys to the show with the dramaturge of the Opéra Comique.

Salle Bizet | Free

To relax

The intermission bar offers drinks and light refreshments as soon as the theatre doors open.

Accessibility

Relax session | Sunday 23 June at 3 pm
Relax sessions offer a inclusive caring environment for people whose disability may give rise to atypical and unpredictable behaviour during the show.

Audiodescription (In French) | Friday 21 June at 8 pm and Sunday 23 June at 3 pm
This opera is available in audio description. "Image whisperers” are also available on demand.