Pleasures of Versailles

As light as champagne, short and sweet as an amuse-bouche, this is a performance fit for a king.

In September, Pinchgut Opera premiered two tiny operas originally written for the Sun King, Louis XIV by the great French composer, Marc-Antoine Charpentier.

Brought to theatrical life by director Shannon Burns and designer Melanie Liertz , and conducted by Erin Helyard, these "petits opéras" are small miracles of sparkling beauty.

Pleasures of Versailles features the shining talents of Cathy-Di Zhang, Lauren Lodge-Campbell, Hannah Fraser, Michael Petruccelli and David Greco, alongside the extraordinary players of the Orchestra of the Antipodes.

The first tiny opera, Pleasures of Versailles, is a funny and witty exploration of all the pleasures that were to be had at court. Which one was better? Music, dancing, conversation, eating, drinking, gambling, or games?

The second tiny opera has the appropriate title of Love Conquers All and concerns shepherds and shepherdesses falling in love, all encouraged by Pan, the God of Shepherds. A gorgeous excuse for beautiful music for the King.

This was the French Baroque equivalent of easy entertainment … nothing too serious, or grand, or formal. Just a light soufflé, exquisitely prepared by a master chef.

Clocking in at just over an hour, with no interval, Pleasures of Versailles is just like a glass of premium vintage champagne … perfectly balanced, classy, elegant, unforgettable, and brought to life by passionate people that build on centuries of tradition.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the lively and light-hearted entertainment that took place behind closed doors, deep within the golden rooms of the Palace of Versailles.