The Op\u00e9ra de Marseille has unveiled its comprehensive program for the 2026-27 season, promising a rich tapestry of operatic masterpieces, beloved operettas, and engaging musical events. The season, set to run from October 2026 to June 2027, will feature a robust lineup of iconic works from composers such as Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Offenbach, alongside French operetta and a series of recitals and orchestral performances. This announcement marks a significant moment for the institution, signaling its commitment to artistic excellence and broad audience appeal.<\/p>\n
The opera program forms the core of the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille’s 2026-27 season, showcasing a range of dramatic and emotionally resonant works. The season opens with a highly anticipated production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s seminal opera, Don Giovanni<\/em>. This production, scheduled from October 2 to 11, 2026, will be led by acclaimed conductor Lawrence Foster and directed by Agn\u00e8s Jaoui. The cast boasts a stellar ensemble, including Salome Jicia as Donna Anna, Margaux Poguet as Donna Elvira, Floriane Hasler as Zerlina, Nicolas Courjal as the Commendatore and Leporello, Marc Barrard as Masetto, Cyrille Dubois as Don Ottavio, Mischa Schelomianski as Don Giovanni, and Louis Morvan as the Dottore. Don Giovanni<\/em>, a complex exploration of seduction, morality, and divine retribution, is a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire, and its staging in Marseille is expected to draw significant international attention.<\/p>\n Following this, from November 15 to 19, 2026, the opera house will present Giacomo Puccini’s early masterpiece, Le Villi<\/em>. This production features Alexandra Marcellier, Thomas Bettinger, and Marc Scoffoni in leading roles, under the baton of Paolo Arrivabeni and the direction of Stefano Poda. Le Villi<\/em>, Puccini’s first opera, tells a supernatural tale of a betrayed bride’s spirit seeking vengeance, offering a glimpse into the composer’s developing dramatic voice.<\/p>\n The holiday season will be enlivened by Jacques Offenbach’s charming operetta, La P\u00e9richole<\/em>, presented from December 27, 2026, to January 5, 2027. The production, conducted by Gaspard Brecourt and directed by Jean-Christophe Mast, will feature \u00c9l\u00e9onore Pancrazi in the title role, supported by Amandine Ammirati, Laurence Janot, Pauline Sabatier, Kaelig Boche, Marc Barrard, Marc Larcher, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Cornille, and Jean-Claude Calon. Offenbach’s witty and satirical works have a strong tradition in French opera houses, and La P\u00e9richole<\/em> is celebrated for its lively score and humorous plot.<\/p>\n In the new year, Giuseppe Verdi’s monumental opera Don Carlo<\/em> will take center stage from February 27 to March 7, 2027. Directed by Charles Roubaud and conducted by Michele Spotti, the cast includes Nino Machaidze as Elisabeth de Valois, Marion Leb\u00e8gue as Princess Eboli, Enea Scala as Don Carlo, Simon Lim as Philip II, Ernesto Petti as Rodrigo, and Roberto Scandiuzzi as the Grand Inquisitor. Don Carlo<\/em>, known for its profound political and personal dramas, is a significant undertaking, and its inclusion highlights the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille’s commitment to grand-scale opera.<\/p>\n A concert performance of Gaetano Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda<\/em> is scheduled for March 21 and 23, 2027. Jessica Pratt will portray the titular queen, with Teresa Iervolino as her rival, Queen Elizabeth I. John Osborn, Manuel Fuentes, and Patrick Bolleire will also feature. Michele Spotti will conduct this intimate yet dramatic work, which explores the historical rivalry between Mary, Queen of Scots, and Elizabeth I of England.<\/p>\n Spring brings Charles Gounod’s Mireille<\/em> to the stage from April 22 to May 2, 2027. Bruno Ravella directs this production, with Jean-Marie Zeitouni conducting. The cast includes Charlotte Bonnet as Mireille, Marion Leb\u00e8gue, Mathilde Lemaire, Julien Dran, Alexandre Duhamel, and Marc Barrard. Gounod’s opera, based on a Proven\u00e7al epic poem, is a beloved work of the French lyric repertoire, often celebrated for its regional flavor and lyrical beauty.<\/p>\n The season concludes with a spectacular production of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot<\/em>, running from June 1 to 9, 2027. Federico Tibone conducts this grand opera, with Charles Roubaud directing. The formidable cast features Csilla Boross as the ice princess Turandot, Federica Guida as Li\u00f9, Vincenzo Costanzo as Calaf, and Nicolas Courjal as Timur. Puccini’s final opera, known for its powerful choruses, exotic setting, and iconic "Nessun Dorma," promises a triumphant finale to the season.<\/p>\n Beyond the realm of grand opera, the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille is also dedicating significant programming to operetta, a genre deeply rooted in French musical tradition. The season features several celebrated works, offering lighter yet equally engaging theatrical experiences.<\/p>\n Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne<\/em> will be presented on October 24 and 25, 2026. This sparkling work, known for its witty social commentary and memorable tunes, features a large ensemble including Laurence Janot, Julia Knecht, Amandine Ammirati, Elsa Roux Chamoux, Olivier Grand, Kaelig Boche, Alfred Bironien, Marc Larcher, Philippe B\u00e9ranger, Dominique Desmons, and Jean-Claude Calon.<\/p>\n La Vie Boh\u00e8me<\/em> is scheduled for December 4 and 5, 2026, with a cast including Pauline Jolly, Clo\u00e9 Horry, Nicolas Hezelot, Ulysse Mbenzu, Simon Catrice, and Justin Domenicone.<\/p>\n Charles Lecocq’s La Fille de Madame Angot<\/em> will be staged on January 23 and 24, 2027. Directed by Carole Clin and conducted by Didier Benetti, the production boasts a strong cast led by Amandine Ammirati and Laurence Janot, alongside Kathia Blas, Gr\u00e9goire Mour, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Cornille, Philippe Fargues, Gilen Goicoechea, and Dominique Desmons. This work is a classic of the op\u00e9ra-comique genre, renowned for its humor and tuneful score.<\/p>\n Toi, c’est moi<\/em> by Mois\u00e9s Simons is set for March 13 and 14, 2027. Directed by Carole Clin and conducted by Florent Mayet, the performance will feature Laura Tardino, Perrine Cabassud, Julie Morgane, Sabrina Kilouli, Fabrice Todaro, Gr\u00e9gory Juppin, Philippe Fargues, and Jean-Claude Calon.<\/p>\n The operetta season continues with Imre K\u00e1lm\u00e1n’s Die Cs\u00e1rd\u00e1sf\u00fcrstin<\/em> on April 3 and 4, 2027. Carole Clin directs this popular operetta, with Florent Mayet conducting. The cast includes Laurence Janot, Am\u00e9lie Tatti, Dani\u00e8le Dinant, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Cornille, Fabrice Todaro, Philippe Fargues, Jean-Claude Calon, and Antoine Bonelli.<\/p>\n Concluding the operetta offerings, Francis Lopez’s Le Prince de Madrid<\/em> will be presented on May 15 and 16, 2027. Directed by Carole Clin and conducted by Didier Benetti, this production features a large cast including Laurence Janot, Julia Knecht, Julie Morgane, Carole Clin, Simone Burles, Sabrina Kilouli, J\u00e9r\u00e9mie Duffau, Gr\u00e9gory Juppin, Fabrice Todaro, Claude Deschamps, Aslam Safla, Antoine Bonelli, Philippe B\u00e9ranger, and Jean-Luc H\u00f4pitalon.<\/p>\n In addition to La P\u00e9richole<\/em> and La Vie Parisienne<\/em>, the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille is dedicating a specific segment of its programming to the works of Jacques Offenbach, one of the most influential composers of operetta.<\/p>\n Fleurette<\/em>, a lesser-known but delightful work by Offenbach, will be performed on December 13, 2026, starring Louise Pingeot, Charles Mesrine, and Dominique Desmons.<\/p>\n Following this, Dragonette<\/em>, another charming piece by Offenbach, is scheduled for April 11, 2027, with Louise Pingeot, Charles Mesrine, Dominique Desmons, and Nicolas Bercet in the cast.<\/p>\n The season also includes a performance of Les deux p\u00eacheurs, ou Le lever du soleil<\/em> on May 23, 2027, adding further depth to the operetta and musical theater offerings.<\/p>\n The Orchestre Philharmonique de Marseille will feature prominently, with a special concert on February 12, 2027, dedicated to the music of Offenbach. Conducted by Federico Tibone, with V\u00e9ronique Gens as a featured performer, this concert promises to highlight the orchestral richness and melodic brilliance of Offenbach’s compositions.<\/p>\n Complementing the staged productions, the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille has curated a series of recitals and events designed to showcase vocal talent and explore diverse musical landscapes.<\/p>\n The season begins with a recital on October 3, 2026, featuring Cyril Rovery and Marion Liotard. Their program will span a wide range of composers, including Verdi, Puccini, Liszt, Rossini, Meyerbeer, Faur\u00e9, Massenet, and Diaz, demonstrating the versatility of the performers and the breadth of the operatic and art song repertoire.<\/p>\n A significant event for the development of young artists will be the Concours Voix Nouvelles (New Voices Competition) on March 5, 2027, hosted by the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille. This competition serves as a vital platform for emerging singers, fostering the next generation of operatic talent.<\/p>\n The season’s recital programming will conclude on June 5, 2027, with a performance by Rodolphe Briand and Vincent Leterme, offering a final opportunity for audiences to experience intimate vocal artistry before the season’s close.<\/p>\n The breadth of the 2026-27 season suggests a strategic vision by the Op\u00e9ra de Marseille to cater to a diverse audience, balancing internationally recognized operatic standards with the vibrant tradition of French operetta and providing opportunities for both established and emerging artists. The programming also reflects a commitment to presenting works that span various historical periods and stylistic approaches within the operatic and musical theater genres.<\/p>\n The inclusion of multiple works by Offenbach, for instance, not only celebrates a pivotal figure in operetta history but also offers a thematic thread throughout the season. Similarly, the strong representation of French composers, such as Gounod and Lecocq, underscores the institution’s dedication to its national heritage.<\/p>\n The season’s structure, opening with a major operatic work and closing with another Puccini epic, provides a strong narrative arc. The strategic placement of operettas and recitals throughout the year aims to maintain consistent audience engagement and provide a varied calendar of events. The decision to present Maria Stuarda<\/em> as a concert performance, rather than a fully staged production, might reflect an approach to showcasing specific vocal or dramatic challenges of a particular work in a more focused manner, potentially optimizing resources while still offering a high-quality artistic experience.<\/p>\n The Op\u00e9ra de Marseille’s 2026-27 season promises to be a dynamic and enriching period for the city’s cultural landscape, offering a compelling array of performances that will undoubtedly attract opera and operetta enthusiasts from near and far. The detailed planning and diverse selection of works signal a confident and forward-looking artistic direction for the institution.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Op\u00e9ra de Marseille has unveiled its comprehensive program for the 2026-27 season, promising a rich tapestry of operatic masterpieces, beloved operettas, and engaging musical events. The season, set to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9163,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[545],"tags":[394,236,296,854,6572,297,299,1038,298],"class_list":["post-9164","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classical-opera","tag-ambitious","tag-announces","tag-classical","tag-diverse","tag-marseille","tag-opera","tag-orchestra","tag-season","tag-symphony"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9164","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9164"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9164\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9163"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9164"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9164"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empire-music.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9164"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}The Charm of Operetta and More<\/h3>\n
Special Focus on Offenbach and Orchestral Performances<\/h3>\n
Recitals and Artistic Development<\/h3>\n
Strategic Vision and Audience Engagement<\/h3>\n