Mission & Vision
The Opéra de Lyon is a cultural institution dedicated to creating and sharing artistic works in opera, music, and dance. Committed to artistic excellence and innovation, it serves as a dynamic space where tradition meets modernity, offering diverse audiences unique and transformative experiences. Supported by both public and private partners, the Opéra de Lyon champions inclusive and responsible cultural practices while making a meaningful impact on its local community.
As a hub for dialogue and shared experiences, the Opéra de Lyon prioritizes accessibility to culture through its openness and educational outreach. Its artistic identity rests on five key pillars: the Ballet, renowned as a pioneer of contemporary dance; the Chœurs (choirs), enriching the lyrical repertoire; the Orchestre, celebrated for its national and international musical excellence; the Maîtrise, nurturing young choral talent; and the Lyon Opéra Studio, which showcases and develops the next generation of great operatic voices.
At the heart of these pillars, the Ballet de l’Opéra de Lyon holds a distinctive position. A global symbol of innovation and excellence, the Ballet combines artistic exploration with cultural transmission. Featuring 30 dancers from over 13 nationalities, this internationally acclaimed dance company bridges iconic modern and contemporary works with bold creations from today’s leading choreographers.
Under the direction of Cédric Andrieux—former dancer of both the Opéra de Lyon and the Merce Cunningham Company in New York—the Ballet embraces its rich heritage while consistently looking to the future. As a creative laboratory, it invites celebrated artists to reimagine classics and create new works that resonate with contemporary societal challenges.
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The Opéra de Lyon’s initiatives extend across both local and global stages. Its productions tour prestigious venues worldwide, such as the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, the Opéra Royal de Stockholm, and the Teatro Real in Madrid, as well as renowned festivals like the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence and the MITO Festival in Turin and Milan. At the same time, the Opéra nurtures emerging talent through its Lyon Opéra Studio and collaborates with leading international artists to produce bold and innovative works.
Locally, the Opéra de Lyon engages with its community through educational and participatory projects. The “Opéra pour Tous” program introduces students to the world of opera through school workshops, while open rehearsals and artist meet-and-greets provide immersive insights into the creative process. Additionally, initiatives like “Chanter l’Opéra” give amateur singers the chance to perform alongside professionals, fostering a deep connection between the community and the art form.
The Ballet de l’Opéra de Lyon mirrors this dual commitment to local and international engagement. Performing at world-class festivals such as the Paris Festival d’Automne, Berlin’s Tanz im August, and London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre, the Ballet captivates audiences globally.
Recent highlights include a North American tour where The Guardian hailed their performance at New York City Center as “one of the most remarkable collaborations of our time.” In 2024, the Ballet performed at the Panthéon in Paris during the Cultural Olympiad of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Locally, the Ballet reaches underserved communities through inclusive programs, such as dance workshops for hospitalized children in Lyon. Collaborative efforts with schools and associations further connect dance to broader society, sharing the art form’s rich history and inspiring future generations.
Recently, the Ballet has garnered acclaim for performances featuring works by legendary choreographers like Merce Cunningham, William Forsythe, Pina Bausch, and Jiří Kylián, while also debuting contemporary pieces by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Ohad Naharin, and Marlene Monteiro Freitas, among others.
Projects That US Donors Can Support
U.S. donors can play a vital role in advancing the Opéra de Lyon’s mission by supporting the creation and distribution of its innovative productions in opera, music, and dance, as well as its impactful social projects. Contributions help extend the Opéra’s reach to organizations with similar goals, fostering collaborations that amplify its artistic and cultural vision.
Donor support also enables the organization to host events, conferences, seminars, and training sessions that promote the development of its activities, as well as performances and exhibitions that bring its work to life for audiences worldwide. Additionally, donations facilitate the publication of materials and information that highlight the Opéra’s achievements and initiatives, ensuring its legacy and vision resonate across borders.
Cover photos: © Agathe Poupeney