The Royal Opera of the Palace of Versailles first opened its doors back in 1770, and the Versailles Royal Opera Orchestra has never yet crossed the Atlantic to tour the New World – that is, until now... it is with our heads humbled and beret-laden, and our champagne glasses held high, that we at Death of Classical are proud to present these legends of French Opera in their New York début, part of their first ever tour of the United States, for two evenings of extravagant music-making that we're calling Versailles in New York, presented in partnership with our amazing friends at Festival Napa Valley and Atout France.

The Francophilic fun kicks off July 21, with Versailles in Printemps: The Affair of the Poisons. This one-of-a-kind, immersive after-hours experience, conceived and directed by Death of Classical Founder and Artistic Director Andrew Ousley, will take place throughout the exquisite new retail concept Printemps at One Wall Street. The evening will explore a pivotal historic moment in Louis XIV's court, a tale of palace intrigue laced with poison and steeped in superstition and witchcraft, from a Black Mass to a murder plot involving Louis' favorite mistress.

Centered around a performance by the Versailles Royal Opera Orchestra, audience members will wander through the different spaces, encountering interactive performances while enjoying complimentary food curated by Printemps New York, wine selections from the acclaimed Bouchaine Vineyards, and more.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to embrace the spirit of the show, so don your finest Court attire and your frilliest Rococo frippery, and let's party like it's 1699.


The Versailles Royal Opera Orchestra’s US debut performances are made possible through a generous gift from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland, proprietors of Bouchaine Vineyards.