The Opéra de Nice Côte d’Azur recently unveiled its new 2023/2024 season. Nestled between the Promenade des Anglais and the picturesque alleys of Old Nice, this iconic establishment has continued to attract audiences since the 19th century with its year-round program of excellence.
The Opera in Numbers
The 2022/2023 season was a great success for the Opéra de Nice, with 346 performances and over 55,000 spectators. A notable statistic is that 11% of the spectators were under 26 years old, indicating a real enthusiasm among the youth. Furthermore, 20% of the spectators were new attendees, demonstrating the expanding audience of the opera. Additionally, among the spectators, 10% came from outside Nice.
The new 2023/2024 season promises to be just as promising, with 64 artistic offerings on the program, including 11 opera productions, 1 recital, 5 ballets, and 47 concerts. Thirteen performances will be specially intended for family audiences, thus offering a culturally accessible experience for everyone. In total, 344 shows are scheduled, guaranteeing a rich and varied program throughout the year.
Art and Sport
This new season will be marked by the union of art and sport, due to the Olympic Games, as well as the Rugby World Cup and the Tour de France, both hosted in Nice in 2023/2024. Thus, the Opera will offer special productions related to these major sporting events.
The program of the Opéra de Nice Côte d’Azur for the upcoming season revolves around two evocative slogans. The first, “Let Yourself Be Surprised”, embodies the desire to offer always more innovative, original, and striking shows. This bold approach aims to captivate the audience by transporting them into unique artistic experiences.
The second slogan, “Let Yourself Be Carried Away”, invites spectators to be charmed by the timeless beauty of opera classics. The opera program thus offers the opportunity to be carried away by the most beautiful scores of the repertoire, ranging from the end of the 19th century to the early 21st century.
The Program
The season will open with the Hip Hop’era Festival on September 2, 2023, where dancers from the Ballet Nice Méditerranée and hip-hop artists (selected on the same day on the Opera’s forecourt) will compete on stage, drawing inspiration from the codes of a hip hop battle. On September 9, “Family Reunion,” a festive concert, will celebrate the Rugby World Cup.
Opera
The opera program will be rich in surprises and diversity. Among the highlights are the Operetta Festival with a production dedicated to Luis Mariano, as well as the presentation of “200 Motels – The Suites” by Frank Zappa on December 1 and 2, 2023. The famous French composer Laurent Petitgirard will also present his work “Guru” from February 20 to 24, 2024. You will also get the opportunity to discover a special production, “The Olympiad of Olympiads,” in partnership with the National Sports Museum of Nice, highlighting the work of Antonio Vivaldi.
Ballet
Ballets will also hold a significant place in the upcoming season. Shows such as “Marco Polo” by Luciano Cannito, “Giselle” by Martin Chaix, and “Vespertine” by Liam Scarlett will delight dance enthusiasts. Off-site performances will also be organized.
Concert
The concert program will include events such as symphonic concerts, 60-minute series with the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra, chamber music evenings, as well as the Sacred Music Festival. A must-attend event is the “Orchestra(s) Tour by Bicycle” which will take place on July 14, 2024, on Place Masséna. This traveling and free event will feature the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dylan Corlay. Also noteworthy is the presence of rapper Ludji at the Opera on March 27, 2024.
Youth
The youth program will not be left behind, with attractive pricing for those under 30 throughout the year. Operas specifically designed for children, such as “The Little Mermaid” by Régis Campo and “Sindbad, A Journey Through Living Flames” by Howard Moody, will be presented. Family concerts and interactive activities for young audiences will also be offered.
Thus, the Opéra de Nice Côte d’Azur continues to demonstrate its commitment to artistic diversity and connecting with the public. The new 2023/2024 season promises to be a captivating blend of art and sport, offering innovative shows and magical moments for all culture enthusiasts.
