Paris is a cultural wonderland for the fall 2019 season, with art exhibitions, operas, concerts, theater and ballet. Here are our top 10 picks.
Art
Francis Bacon: Books and Paintings
Literature was a prime source of inspiration for British painter Francis Bacon. This new exhibition features 60 paintings (including 12 triptychs and a series of portraits and self-portraits) from important private and public collections.
Until January 20, 2020
Centre Pompidou
https://www.centrepompidou.fr
Degas at the Opera
Impressionist painter Edouard Degas had such a fascination with the Paris Opera Garnier that he devoted much of the end of his career to it. Singers, orchestral musicians, audience members and black-attired opera subscribers are some of the subjects he painted for this exhibition.
January 19
Musée D’’Orsay
https://m.musee-orsay.fr
Charlotte Perriand: Inventing a New World
Charlotte Perriand changed the architecture and furniture design landscape in the 20th century with her bold, futuristic designs. Marking the 20th anniversary of her death, the exhibition focuses on reconstitutions of her most impactful designs, along with conversations about the role of women and their place in architecture.
October 2, 2019, to February 24, 2020
Fondation Louis Vuitton
https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr
Theater
Funny Girl
The beloved musical Funny Girl is having its first run in Paris in time for the holidays. The most-anticipated theater event in Paris this fall, Parisians will be treated to the show's great musical standards, including Don’t Rain on my Parade, I’m the Greatest Star and the indomitable classic People. The show will be performed in English with French subtitles, with a Broadway-style production.
November 7, 2019 to January 5, 2020
Theatre Marigny
https://www.theatreinparis.com/show/funny-girl
Opera
La Traviata
Verdi’s La Traviata, one of the most-performed operas, has received a new – and controversial – production by Australian theater director Simon Stone. It's already receiving rave reviews.
September 9 to October 16
Opera Garnier
https://www.operadeparis.fr
Madame Butterfly
The beloved opera Madame Butterfly has received a minimalist treatment from master director Robert Wilson. Giacomo Sangripanti conducts the three-act opera with costumes by Frida Parmeggiani and choreography by Suzushi Hanayagi.
Performances until November 13
Opera Bastille
https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/season-19-20/opera/madama-butterfly
Concerts
Charlie Chaplin with a Smile
Not only did Charlie Chaplin direct some of the greatest American films, he also wrote the music for them. The Orchestra of Paris will perform excerpts of his music, along with projections from his films. There’s also a Charlie Chaplin exhibition in the same venue.
October 9 - 10
Philharmonie de Paris
https://philharmoniedeparis.fr
Ghost of Versailles
In an appropriate gesture, the first production of The Ghost of Versailles will have its premier in France at the Royal Opera of Versailles. American composer John Corigliano wrote the score for this original opera, an ode to the Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro. The historic Royal Opera of Versailles, constructed by order of King Louis XV in 1765, is an exquisite gem of an opera house with only 700 seats, decorated in the opulent Baroque style.
Performances December 4, 5, 7, 8
Versailles Opera House
https://en.chateauversailles-spectacles.fr
Ballet and Dance
Weekend of Merce Cunningham
The iconic American choreographer Merce Cunningham is receiving a posthumous 100th birthday bash in Paris. Theatre de la Ville is devoting an entire weekend to performances of his most popular dance pieces, including Second Hand, with music by John Cage; Solo; Paris Story; and Totem Ancestor.
October 5 - 6
Espace Cardin
https://www.theatredelaville-paris.com
Hiroshi Sugimoto & William Forsythe
Choreographer William Forsythe has collaborated with visual artist Hiroshi Sugimoto and sound artist Ryoji Ikeda to produce two original dance pieces, At the Hawk's Well, inspired by William Butler Yeats, and Blake Works, featuring the music of James Blake.
October 7, 8, 11, 13, 14
Opera Garnier
https://www.classictic.com
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