Founded more than three centuries ago by Louis XIV, Opéra national de Paris is one of the world's greatest opera and ballet companies. Under the new directorship of Alexander Neef, the company holds performances in two theatres, the 1970-seat Palais Garnier (1875) and the 2700-seat L'Opéra Bastille (1989) and remains committed to preserving and developing our operatic and ballet heritage, holding more than 350 performances per year. Great composers such as Rameau, Gluck, Rossini, Verdi, Wagner, Gounod, Massenet, Poulenc and Messiaen all gave the first performances of their works here. Gustavo Dudamel is the current Music Director.

The birthplace of classical dance, the Paris Opera Ballet stages some 180 performances per season in Paris, the French regions and abroad. Over the years it has played host to many of the world’s greatest choreographers: George Balanchine, Serge Lifar, Rudolf Nureyev, Roland Petit, Maurice Béjart, and of course Pina Bausch. José Carlos Martinez is the current Director of Ballet.