The Opéra Garnier reopens for two solidarity concerts in tribute to the nursing staff

Once again this year, the Paris Opera is no exception to tradition. Organized since the opening of the Bastille Opera in July 1989, the free performance on July 14 will take place, and will be accompanied by another concert on July 13. The two events, scheduled at the Palais Garnier, pay tribute to the dedication and courage of the caregivers and all those who have worked for the community in recent months , said a press release.

The Palais Garnier, currently open to visitors, will receive the public in its room for the first time since the coronavirus crisis. On the program, Mozart, Fauré, Dukas ... sung by soprano Julie Fuchs and baritone Stéphane Degout, alongside the Orchestra of the Paris National Opera under the direction of Philippe Jordan and the Choirs of the National Opera of Paris under the direction of José Luis Basso.

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The first evening will welcome Opera subscribers, members of the Association for the Radiation of the Paris Opera as well as several patrons of the institution. The second evening will, as usual, be open to vulnerable groups who are far from culture, but also this year to carers, in partnership with the Paris Hospital Foundation and the association Letons carers, and people weakened by the health crisis .

Tonnage reduced by half

Not available for sale, these solidarity concerts will however be broadcast live at 7:30 p.m. on the Facebook page and the YouTube channel of the Opéra national de Paris. The July 14 performance will also be broadcast live on France Musique. "We are very happy to be back in a theater around what connects us: singing, music and the desire to share them with as many people as possible," said Stéphane Lissner, CEO of institution.

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In terms of health protocol, the Palais Garnier gauge has almost been reduced by half, to a thousand seats, with a free seat between each group of spectators. Wearing a mask is also compulsory to move around, and can be removed once seated. The press release also specifies that the physical distance must be at least 1 meter between each, staff and spectators combined. Water points and hydroalcoholic gel will be made available to the public.

The Paris Opera Ballet will return to Garnier in the fall with classics and creations by renowned choreographers, despite the work taking place there until the end of the year, announced at l 'AFP the dance director Aurélie Dupont. The company, made up of 154 dancers, will return to the scene after a long period of turbulence marked by a historic strike by the staff of the Opera, followed by the epidemic of the coronavirus.

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Since December 5, nearly a hundred operas and ballets have been canceled, causing ticketing losses of more than 40 million euros.