Bordeaux: Grand Théâtre

Country: France
Department, Region: Gironde, Aquitaine
City: Bordeaux
Location: place de la Comédie

Built by Victor Louis for the governor of Aquitaine, Conte de Richileu (a grand-nephew of the famous cardinal Richelieu). Opened 7 April 1780 with Racine's "Athalia" (Act I, with music by Franz Beck). Damaged during the French Revolution, restored 1799. 1837 conversion of the concert hall (700 seats) into a ball room, later into a foyer. 1853 renovation by Burget. In 1871 used as French parliament during the siege of Paris, hence site of the proclamation of the 3rd French Republic. 1915, 1919, 1938, 1977 renovations. 1990-1992 major renovation by Bernard Fanquernie. Re-opened 1992 with Mozart's "Die Zauberflöte". Originally 1158, today 1114 seats.

Notable world premieres:

  • Georges Bizet: Ivan le Terrible (12 Oct 1951)

Link: www.opera-bordeaux.com

[Bordeaux: Grand Theatre] Front Text: "The Théatre (from Tourny Alleys) - Grand Théâtre - Bordeaux - Le Grand Théâtre Municipal vu des Allées de Tourny", and a poem:
      "L'Architecte Louis construit tes arches
      Superbe Grand Théatre où se cultive l'Art.
      Dans tes balcons dorés, aux riches colonades,
      Tout un public charmé vient écouter Mozart."
              (Extrait de l'Ode à Bordeaux de Lodois Laiasie).
Publisher: Marcel Delboy, Bordeaux
Type: Divided Back
Size: Classic
Not sent.

[Bordeaux: Grand Theatre] Front Text: "Bordeaux - Le Grand Théâtre"
Type: Divided Back
Size: Classic
Not sent.

[Bordeaux: Grand Theatre] Picture: auditorium
Reverse Text: "Bordeaux - Le Grand Théâtre (1773-1780), Intérieur de la Salle de Spectacle: 1.300 places (Monument Historique)"
Publisher: Éditions Bloc Frères, Bordeaux
Type: Real Photo
Size: Modern
Sent: from Bordeaux to Marseille, 1964

[Bordeaux: Grand Theatre] Reverse Text: "Bordeaux (Gironde) - Le Grand Théâtre"
Publisher: La Cigogne, Bordeaux
Size: Modern
Not sent.

[Bordeaux: Grand Theatre] Reverse Text: "Bordeaux (33) - Le Grand Théâtre la nuit. Architecte Louis (1780). La façade du théâtre formée de 12 colonnes corinthiennes et les douze muses"
Publisher: Éditions L. Chatagneau, Bordeaux; Elcécolor
Size: Modern
Sent: to Rueil [stamp and postmark removed]

[Bordeaux: Grand Theatre] Front Text: "Bordeaux - Le Grand Théâtre"
Reverse Text: "Bordeaux (33) - Le Grand Théâtre Architecte Louis (1780), La façade du théâtre formée de 12 colonnes corinthiennes et des 12 muses"
Publisher: Cartes Postales Elcé, Toulouse
Size: Modern
Sent: from Merignac to Marigny-Le-Chatel, 1997


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