About
The Chorégies d’Orange 2026 invites audiences to experience opera and classical music in one of the most spectacular settings in the world — the ancient Roman Theatre of Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage site where history, architecture, and music have been united for more than a century. From 19 June to 18 July 2026, this legendary French festival once again transforms the monumental theatre into a stage where exceptional voices, orchestras, and artists meet beneath the stars.
Founded in 1869, the Chorégies d’Orange is one of the oldest and most prestigious opera festivals in Europe. Its unique atmosphere comes from the extraordinary combination of the theatre’s ancient stone walls, natural acoustics, and the emotional power of live performance. The festival has always attracted some of the greatest names in opera, creating unforgettable evenings that unite artistic excellence with the magic of Provence.
The 2026 season presents a spectacular programme of opera, concerts, and dance. The main operatic highlight is Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, performed at the Théâtre Antique d’Orange on 4 July 2026 in a special concert version. One of Verdi’s most beloved masterpieces, La Traviata brings together passion, sacrifice, and timeless melodies in the tragic story of Violetta Valéry.
The festival programme also includes major musical events beyond opera. The traditional “Musiques en fête” celebrates the diversity of classical music with a large-scale open-air performance, while the programme continues with ballet and orchestral concerts.
Dance takes centre stage with Cendrillon, performed by the internationally renowned Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo on 13 July 2026. The company, celebrated for its elegant style and innovative approach to classical ballet, brings a poetic interpretation of the famous Cinderella story to the extraordinary setting of Orange.
Another highlight of the season is the concert by violinist Renaud Capuçon on 18 July 2026, offering audiences an evening devoted to the expressive power of the violin and the beauty of orchestral music.
As night falls over Provence, the voices of great singers rise against the ancient walls, creating a connection between past and present that exists nowhere else. Every performance becomes more than a concert or an opera — it becomes a moment suspended in time.
About the Chorégies d'Orange
The Chorégies d'Orange are today the oldest French festival since they date from 1869. But they have, over the years, kept all their originality: by the name they carry, from the Greek "choreos" which links them to the Greco-Latin tradition; by the place in which they take place each summer: an ancient theater perfectly preserved, of a capacity of reception of 8300 people and which has the privilege to have preserved its "Wall", guarantee of an exceptional acoustics; by the lyrical and musical vocation that they gave themselves and which allows them to be at the head of the great French festivals and to have an indisputable international reputation.
A festival began in Orange in 1860 and was held periodically, but it was only after the Roman theatre was restored in 1869 that it became the location of a popular “Roman Festival” which celebrated the glory of Rome and included a performance of Méhul’s opera, Joseph. All the major players of the French classical stage appeared in the Orange festivals, including Sarah Bernhardt who played “Phèdre” in 1903.
In 1902, the festival was given a new name, the “Chorégies,” and it was planned to take place annually. The name comes from the Greek χορηγός khorêgós "choir leader." Until 1969, the Chorégies consisted of plays, alternating with musical works, opera and symphonies. However, after that date, Orange became solely an opera festival and theatrical works were performed at Avignon.
In 1971, the “New Chorégies” began, with a format not unlike the present one where only about six performances are given during the month-long festival, typically two performances of two operas along with a recital or concert. It quickly became an international success with many major international singers appearing.
