As soon as I stepped into the theater, a sumptuous hush fell over me.
In its opulence, the Royal Opera of Versailles is somehow cozy. The rocaille swoops and curves impart lightness, and the gold warms. The chandelier light is soft. The 18th century theater is made of wood and holds 712 spectators. We had gathered to watch Barry Douglas and the Camerata Ireland perform three of Mozart’s Piano Concertos (20, 23, 25). As people made their way to their narrow, velvety seats, the theater got warmer and our reverent anticipation heightened.
Although Mozart and the Royal Opera are linked to a specific time and place—18th century Europe—the evening felt timeless and placeless. I was alone, yet surrounded. I was in France, and I was elsewhere. The fragile space and ephemeral sound brought on a happy clarity, unbound by geography and time.
Inspirations
Official website of the Opéra Royal de Versailles
Official website of Camerata Ireland
An eloquent use of the English language to convey an experience. Thank you, Allison.
Baeney