The edition is special.
Because it marks the reopening of the Chorégies after a year of Covid.
But also because it could confirm the success of the new version developed by the new director of the Chorégies, Jean-Louis Grinda, who signs his third new formula program.
When he took the lead in the demonstration, it, on the threshold of celebrating its 150th birthday, was showing signs of running out of steam.
Last year, the edition had not taken place, but the public had responded overwhelmingly, and the box office was discovering the euphoria.
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"We want to put on La Force du destin for television, in front of the ancient theater of Orange empty of its audience"
Jean-Louis Grinda details his bias.
“I wanted to release titles that we presented endlessly, because attendance was dull. In addition, I wanted the operas to play only once. Which still makes 7000 spectators per evening, that is to say the equivalent of seven performances at the Aix festival. "
This year, he is programming
Samson et Dalila,
by Saint-Saëns, with Marie-Nicole Lemieux and Roberto Alagna, for which he is directing himself. Continuing his artistic logic, Jean-Louis Grinda wanted all audiences to come to Orange. It has therefore programmed for all ages and all tastes. The Chorégies are no longer exclusively a lyric festival, although Cecilia Bartoli and other beautiful classic headliners are scheduled. "
I try to bring as many different people as possible into the Ancient Theater.
The encounter with the place is essential: no place has this acoustics, this softness, the power of this immense audience which converges on a central point.
The dance immediately found its audience.
This year, the BBL gives
Ballet for Life: Queen + Béjart.
Film lovers will see
The Kid,
by Chaplin, in a cine-concert. ”
Jean-Louis Grinda is also programming a video game music concert for young people…
No place has this acoustics, this softness, the power of this huge audience that converges on a central point
Jean-Louis Grinda, director of the Chorégies
This new edition looks exactly like the one that was postponed last summer. However, we still have to play with certain uncertainties related to Covid. The La Scala choir and orchestra, which were to perform in concert, have canceled. They will be present in the summer of 2022. As a replacement, Grinda is planning a great Verdian night with three male voices, Roberto Alagna, Ludovic Tézier and Ildar Abdrazakov, and the Lyon National Orchestra conducted by the young Russian conductor Konstantin Tchoudovski. Samson and Delilah will perform in virtual sets. Those in hard ordered last year were ultimately not manufactured. This year, faced with the uncertainties linked to the epidemic, Grinda did not dare to relaunch the order.
To support the Chorégies, 50% of spectators who bought tickets last year did not request reimbursement and kept their ticket for the reopening.
However, the then gauges did not provide for the distancing, which remains in abeyance for this summer.
You will have to adapt as you go.
In the ticket office, the placement puzzle is not over.
When asked if there will be a before and an after-Covid, Jean-Louis Grinda sighs:
"I dare to hope that all this will stop and that we will finally return to normal."