A cycle, A commitment
Philippe Jordan

Each season, we rediscover our link with the Paris Opera’s audiences, a link we truly appreciate. This dialogue, sometimes silent, yet always surprisingly strong, commits to pursuing our efforts to expand the repertoire whilst making it more accessible. The public’s confidence gives us the opportunity to further discover the work of certain composers, yet without neglecting the side roads along which the opera and symphonic repertoires may lead us.

With this in mind, the 2016 / 2017 season has gradually taken shape. The Berlioz cycle, which began with La Damnation de Faust, continues with a concert version of Béatrice et Bénédict. From Berlioz to a composer who drew so much inspiration from him – Wagner: After last season’s Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Lohengrin continues our Wagner cycle, itself supplemented by a concert of excerpts from The Ring Cycle. The revival of Les Contes d’Hoffmann and a new production of Samson et Dalila are part of a broader exploration of the 19th century French repertoire, offering a monumental prelude to Béatrice et Bénédict. The French note continues into the 20th century repertoire, and I am delighted that Susanna Mälkki has accepted my invitation to conduct the orchestra for Pascal Dusapin’s Cello Concerto. Finally, Così fan tutte marks my first collaboration with Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker in the first instalment of the Da Ponte trilogy. I am delighted at this because she will be reaffirming and revitalising the union between ballet and opera in our House. The trilogy will continue over the next two seasons. From season to season, we move forward through the symphonies of Mahler. We have chosen to approach this concert repertoire not so much as a cycle but more as a long‑lasting companionship punctuated by the occasional rendezvous with the public. This autumn will see the performance of Mahler’s Ninth Symphony, followed by Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor later in the winter. Once again, another powerful encounter with a repertoire that the Orchestra rarely has the opportunity to perform. Last but not least, I and delighted to announce that the Paris Opera Orchestra will have the honour of performing one of the 2016 / 2017 season’s opening concerts at Vienna’s Musikverein.