The Palace of Versailles, a symbol of grandeur and artistic innovation, recently hosted a stunning revival of Jean-Baptiste Lully’s Baroque opera *Atys*. This production, presented by Château de Versailles Spectacles, showcased the timeless beauty of Lully’s music and the rich heritage of French operatic tradition, captivating audiences once again in the historic setting that inspired its creation.
A Journey Through Time
Stepping into the Palace of Versailles is akin to entering a realm where history and artistry intertwine. The evening air is laced with the echoes of the past, reminding visitors of the opulent court life that once flourished under Louis XIV. Today, the palace continues to be a vibrant cultural hub, offering a plethora of events from grand balls to enchanting concerts. As the sun sets, the majestic courtyard transforms into a stage for artistic expression, drawing in both locals and tourists alike.
This past Saturday, 24 January 2026, the intimate theatre within the palace came alive with *Atys*, a work that first graced the stage in 1676, prior to the palace’s completion. Originally performed at the Ballet Hall of Louis’s former residence in St Germain-en-Laye, this revival saw the production, albeit on a smaller scale than Lully’s original 50 singers and 40 dancers, reimagined for a contemporary audience.
The Artistry of Lully
Lully’s *Atys* is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, showcasing the composer’s unique ability to weave together music and dance. Departing from the traditional structure of arias and recitatives, Lully crafted a through-composed narrative that flows seamlessly from one moment to the next. The plot revolves around a love triangle involving Atys, the goddess Cybèle, and the King of Phrygia, with each character’s desires and heartaches intricately intertwined.
Directed and choreographed by the innovative Angelin Preljocaj, this production features a carefully selected troupe of 15 dancers whose movements complement the singers, enhancing the overall narrative without overshadowing it. The visually striking set and costumes, designed by Prune Nourry and Jeanne Vicérial, draw inspiration from ancient Assyrian art and Greek ceramics, while also incorporating contemporary elements that resonate with today’s audiences.
The cast delivered compelling performances, with Matthew Newlin as Atys, Giuseppina Bridelli as Cybèle, Ana Quintans as Sangaride, and Andreas Wolff as the King of Phrygia. Their vocal artistry struck a delicate balance between lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity, capturing the emotional essence of Lully’s score.
An Evening of Musical Excellence
The true magic of the evening lay in the orchestration, with Cappella Mediterranea providing a rich tapestry of sound that underscored the opera’s emotional depth. The lutenists, Monica Pustilnik and Quito Gato, showcased their virtuosity, breathing life into every note of the three-hour score. Under the baton of conductor Leonardo García Alarcón, Lully’s poignant melodies flowed effortlessly, enveloping the audience in a world of beauty and sorrow.
The following night, the musical journey continued with a concert performance of Lully’s *Cadmus et Hermione* at the Philharmonie de Paris, directed by Christoph Rousset. This production marked the culmination of an extensive project dedicated to reviving Lully’s operatic works, further solidifying the composer’s significance in the canon of French music. Although the acoustics of the modern venue presented challenges, the evening was notable for its exploration of Lully’s evolving artistry.
Why it Matters
The revival of *Atys* at the Palace of Versailles serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of Baroque opera and the cultural richness it brings to contemporary society. In an age where artistic expression often grapples with modernity, Lully’s work transcends time, reminding us of the universal themes of love, desire, and the human condition. As such productions continue to grace historical venues, they not only preserve our artistic heritage but also inspire new generations to engage with the beauty of classical music and opera.
