Opera at Stade de France
Stade de France has one of the biggest stages in Europe; its capacity in concert mode is close to 100,000 places. Imagine 100,000 people buzzing in front of the same show. Thus, Stade de France is the place where the great classics are performed again: Verdi's Requiem in 2002; Carmen in 2003; Turandot in 2005; Nabucco in 2008; and of course, Aida in 2002 and 2010.
CARMEN, THE OPERA
CARMEN, the world’s most frequently-performed opera, will be back at Stade de France this year for a single exceptional performance on Saturday, September 19 2020, in an original staging by Charles Roubaud. Featuring a star-studded cast, this dazzling production will be brought to life by more than 300 artists on stage. For the occasion, the great tenor Roberto Alagna will be joined by sopranos Aleksandra Kursak and Béatrice Uria-Monzon in this performance of Bizet’s masterpiece.
CONCERTS
In the minds of most French people, Stade de France is the legendary stadium that hosted the FIFA World Cup FRANCE 1998. A true shrine to sports, this is the arena in which France’s national football and rugby teams play their international matches. Yet Stade de France is also one of the greatest performance venues in the world. It’s line-up rivals that of the most mythical halls.
Stade de France can accommodate up to 80,000 viewers. Its configuration can be adjust to suit any need or event. Performances can be staged as the director prefers: with the artists in the centre, surrounded by the audience, or off to one side, on a smaller platform. This is not the first time that classical music and opera will ring out in the stadium. Many a memorable performance has taken place here: Verdi’s Requiem in 2002; Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot in 2005, Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco in 2008, after Aida in 2001 and again in 2010. The big event in the 2020 season will be the performance of Carmen, Georges Bizet’s comic opera, in a new version after the one staged in 2003.
VERDI AT STADE DE FRANCE
The social fibre ran deep in anti-conformist Italian artist, Giuseppe Verdi. Politically engaged, he created, at the end of his life, a retirement home in Milan for destitute musicians. As a prominent composer whose talent was recognised during his lifetime, he had the material resources needed to serve his aspirations.
Giuseppe Verdi’s operas are among the most popular in the lyrical repertoire. Everyone will recall the great works La Traviata, Aida, Rigoletto, Nabucco and Macbeth, each a milestone in the artist’s work. Who has never heard the slaves’ chorus “Va pensiero” that would become the unofficial anthem of Italy’s freedom-fighters?
Outreach, beyond the range of the Paris National Opera, centred around Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille, is one of the central aims of Stade de France which has featured many of Verdi’s works, staged by some of the most prominent directors today. These performances have become experiences of an entirely new kind for audiences, in particular the younger generations, putting them in contact, for the first time, with some of the most sweeping moments in opera, away from the traditional setting offered by the national theatres in Paris.
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERTS AT STADE DE FRANCE
Stade de France can also serve as the setting for extraordinary musical performances. For Puccini’s Turandot the Chinese director, Zhang Yimou, brought in 80 musicians, 120 chorus singers, 100 dancers and more than 150 extras. In total, 450 people on one stage. 1,500 costumes were designed for the event. Opéra Garnier would have been short on space for such a “jumbo-sized” production.
The next classical music event at the Stade de France promises to be just as extraordinary. During the 2020 Heritage Days, audiences will be able to enjoy an exceptional performance of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen. Beautifully served by prestigious opera singers, fleetly led by a renowned conductor, the show will be the centrepiece of this year's cultural news selection. More than 300 artists will take to the stage, grandly set for the event and shimmering with glorious lighting effects. Orchestre national d'Ile-de-France, the Unikanti Choir and the Maîtrise des Hauts-de-Seine, under the direction of Giorgio Croci, will provide the musical backdrop. Booking is already open and available to all, young and old.
Helpful tips:
Stade de France offers an online booking system that guarantees secure payment. A variety of offers are available, from reduced rates to cocktail packs, gourmet dinners, accommodation or transport. Once you have made your booking, just download your ticket on-line.
Getting there:
Stade de France can be reached by various means of transport.
By public transport: RER B takes you to La Plaine-Stade de France station, the RER D drops you off at Stade de France-St Denis station; RATP metro line 13 takes you to St Denis-Porte de Paris station; RATP Tramway T1 stops at St Denis Basilique station and T8 stops at St Denis-Porte de Paris station.
Whether you come by touring bus, car or two-wheeler, parking lots are available at your destination and can be reserved in advance. As to itinerary, take the A1 motorway, from Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport, exit N°2 Stade de France, or the A86 motorway, exit N°9 St Denis-La Plaine-Stade de France.
For more information, refer to the map and routes available at our website dedicated page.
Stade de France has one of the biggest stages in Europe; its capacity in concert mode is close to 100,000 places. Imagine 100,000 people buzzing in front of the same show. Thus, Stade de France is the place where the great classics are performed again: Verdi's Requiem in 2002; Carmen in 2003; Turandot in 2005; Nabucco in 2008; and of course, Aida in 2002 and 2010.
