The Opéra de Dijon, historical yet modern
Discover the history of the two places constituting the Théâtre Lyrique d’Intérêt National that is the Opéra de Dijon.
The Opéra de Dijon, is first and foremost a Grand Théâtre of the 18th Century
Jacques Cellerier was the first, in 1787, to propose that the city of Dijon benefitted from a modern theater. The construction process spanned 28 years, responding to the municipal desire to build an imposing monument with a neoclassical style.
The Grand Théâtre de Dijon by Jacques CellerierThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
The façade is decorated with Corinthian columns.
Framework of the Grand Théâtre de Dijon by Jacques CellerierThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Théodore de Jolimont, 1830:
"The interior boasts three stories of boxes, a row of stage-level boxes (first floor box which is rounded and protruding located at the edge of the orchestra and underneath the first balcony), a gallery and amphitheater, a spacious orchestra pit and eight rows of parquet for the stalls."
Drawing of the stage and boxes of the Grand Théâtre de Dijon in 1855 (1855) by Jacques CellerierThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Over time, the hall which originally accommodated 1,000 seats over three levels when it was built was reduced to 692 seats to improve spectator comfort when it was restored.
Plan of the ceiling of the Grand Théâtre in 1855 (1855) by Pierre Luc Charles CiceriThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
In 1855, Charles Cambon (1802–1875), a famous decorator of French theaters and former student of Ciceri, decorated the ceiling of the hall and the forestage with an optical illusion, honoring the performing arts.
Ceiling of Dijon's Grand ThéatreThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
During the 1969 restoration work, Murano crystal chandeliers, dating from 1900 and made up of cylinders of Venice glass (2,000 tubes for the chandelier in the hall, the largest one) were installed in the vestibule, the foyer and the hall.
Italian style room of Dijon's Grand ThéâtreThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
The façades and rooftops were classified as Historic Monuments in 1975 and then the interior of the building was again restored in 2005.
Interior view of the Grand TheatreThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Hence, the Grand Théâtre de Dijon established itself as the largest lyrical stage in Bourgogne. A title that is particularly earned by its exceptional acoustics.
An Auditorium in Dijon
Robert Poujade, former French Minister for the Environment in George Pompidou's government, decided that there was need for a regional facility like the Auditorium less than a mile from the city center.
Model kit of Dijon's AuditoriumThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Scale model of the Auditorium de Dijon, in the shape of a grand piano. The building measures 256 feet (200 m) in length, from end to end.
Auditorium skylightThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Inaugurated in 1998, the Auditorium de Dijon, was the joint effort of architects Arquitectonica (Miami) and Bougeault-Walgenwitz (Dijon), assisted by Richard Martinet (Paris), and became a benchmark location for French and European classical music and operas.
Acoustic detail of the AuditoriumThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
The acoustics, some of the most stunning in Europe, were created by American firm Artec, and became a sought-after working environment for the largest orchestras and conductors from around the world.
Seats of the AuditoriumThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Its main mission:
bringing together spectators and artists to create a dialogue between them, allowing them to listen and to be heard. The hall can seat up to 1,611 people.
Two halls, one opera house
It was in 2008 that the two halls found their identity: the Opéra de Dijon. Together, the Auditorium and the Grand Théâtre offer complementary productions including the lyrical arts, symphonic music, theater and dance.
The acoustic particularities of each allow pieces from the 16th century to be showcased in all their glory today. So, since 2009, the great pieces from the repertoire have rubbed shoulders with contemporary creations or even reinterpretations of forgotten scores.
La Finta Pazza by Sacrati, 2019 production of the Dijon Opera (2019) by Francesco Sacrati, Stage direction: Jean-Yves Ruf, and Musical direction: Leonardo García AlarcónThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
Reinterpretation at the Opéra de Dijon of the piece La Finta Pazza by Sacrati in 2019, an opera that marked the emergence of the genre in France in the 17th century.
Concert at the Auditorium featuring the Dijon Opera's choir and the Dijon Bourgogne OrchestraThe Grand Theatre and Opera House of Dijon
With some of the most stunning acoustics in Europe, the Auditorium hosts symphonic concerts, recitals, pieces from the lyrical repertoire requiring a deep pit, or a space adapted to the set.
A label which placed Dijon on the national lyrical scene
In 2017, the label Théâtre Lyrique d’Intérêt National was awarded to the Opéra de Dijon, merited by an artistic and educational project built over several years: Dijon is now one of the largest lyrical stages in France.
