Chorégies d'Orange

The Chorégies d'Orange is a renowned summer opera festival held in Orange, a town situated approximately 21 kilometers north of Avignon in southern France. Established in 1869, it is one of the oldest French festivals, known for its performances in the ancient Roman theatre, the Théâtre Antique d'Orange. The original stage wall of this theatre has remained intact, creating a semi-circular auditorium that accommodates 9,000 spectators.

The festival's rich history includes appearances from all the major players of the French classical stage. Sarah Bernhardt, a prominent figure, performed "Phèdre" in 1903. The festival's name, "Chorégies," is derived from the Greek "choreos," linking it to the Greco-Latin tradition.

The Chorégies d'Orange, under its current format since 1971, is known for its exclusive focus on art lyrique, or lyric art, a genre that includes opera and other forms of musical theatre. The festival is held annually in July and August at the Théâtre antique d'Orange, offering two popular operas, each performed twice, to a total audience of approximately nine thousand people. These performances are often broadcasted on public television.

The festival's history dates back to 1860, with summer performances at the théâtre antique. The first opera performance took place in the amphitheatre in 1869, marking the beginning of the Chorégies. Over the years, the festival has hosted numerous renowned artists, including those from the Opéra de Paris and the Comédie-Française, before opening up to private companies in the post-World War II era.