Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne, a unique theater ...
The famous conductor Carlo Maria Giulini, invited to conduct a concert in 1992, looked at the room "as one of the most perfect in the world, more accomplished than the Musikverein in Vienna," yet the reference in the field.
This exceptional place in France is born from the desire of Napoleon who wanted a third building at the height of its splendor he offered many guests during his regular visits to Compiègne. The Imperial Theatre is so high on the location of the former Carmelite convent, later immortalized by the piece of Georges Bernanos and Francis Poulenc's opera.
The architect Auguste-Gabriel Ancelet which designs and builds the future Theatre with the Royal Opera of Versailles as one of his references to meet the wishes of the Empress Eugenie. Construction began in 1867, and all trades are working for its development.
Like any court theater, its external appearance is simple, but the room combines elegance and prestige. But in July 1870, when the site is well advanced and the opening is scheduled for the following year, war broke out between France and Prussia. The defeat of Sedan aborts work. For over a century, theater then enters a deep sleep that lasted more than 120 years, except for some rare events, like Joan at the stake in 1948, in the presence of Claudel and Honegger.
Pierre Jourdan, looking for a space to create his project in 1986 discovered this fabulous place abandoned, and began his rehabilitation. The official inauguration took place in September 1991, with the presentation of a work of Camille Saint-Saëns, Henry VIII, it also puts into play. Pierre Jourdan directs until his death in 2007, devoting himself especially to the rediscovery of the French opera repertoire.
This masterpiece of architectural Ancelet is confirmed to be a technical tool leading a system of metal structures to the upper parts of the building and an opening scene 13 meters, comparable to the Théâtre du Châtelet. But what gets the most admired is its acoustic qualities, which are among the best.
A new dynamic to the Imperial Theatre ... Since 2009, under the leadership of its director, Eric Rouchaud the Imperial Theatre project which aims to give a privileged place to the music and opera, including French song explores different artistic areas (opera, recital baroque music, symphonic music, and musical theater or ballet) from the Baroque to the present day. An inventive program involving large voice, recognized as talent artists, and is offered in a spirit of openness to all audiences, especially the youth. Theatre develops an artistic support policy with, among others, artist residencies as Aedes Vocal Ensemble since 2012.
This lyrical scene, only between Paris and Lille, is part of collaborations and co-productions with other national and international opera houses, while being mindful of a territorial base and proximity to the population.
Thus, the importance of attendance shows the growing interest of a diverse audience and renewed.
Théâtre Impérial de Compiègne associated since 2009 with Jean Legendre national scene foreshadowing the Oise area, now a major center for creation, dissemination and transmission of the arts for all audiences unrivaled north of Paris .
