Lyon's Art et goût Festival Revives a Lost Baroque Opera in Stunning Style
A rare performance of Scylla et Glaucus, a French Baroque opera by Jean-Marie Leclair, will take centre stage at the Auditorium de Lyon on Day 2 of the Art et goût festival. Conducted by Emmanuelle Haïm, the concert brings together the acclaimed ensemble Le Concert d'Astrée and soloists Elsa Benoît, Chiara Skerath, and Antony Gregory. The evening promises not just music but also expert commentary from musicologist Gabriela Kaegi, who will explore the opera's ties to French tradition.
The event is part of a three-day cultural itinerary in Lyon, blending historic tours, modern architecture, and a train journey to Geneva.
The festival begins on Day 1 with guests checking into a central Lyon hotel. A city tour introduces visitors to the blend of old and new that defines the area, from Renaissance quarters to bold contemporary landmarks.
Day 2 starts with a guided walk through Vieux Lyon, followed by free time for lunch. Later, attendees will visit the opera house—a striking structure designed by Jean Nouvel—before gathering for an apéro riche at Les Halles Paul Bocuse market hall. The highlight of the day is the 8:00 PM concert at the Auditorium de Lyon, where Haïm leads Le Concert d'Astrée in Scylla et Glaucus. Kaegi's insights will frame the performance, offering context on the opera's place in French musical history. The final day includes an architectural tour of the Confluence district, home to the futuristic Musée des Confluences. After a self-guided visit to the museum, participants board a train for Geneva, marking the end of the programme.
The Art et goût festival runs from May 3 to 5, 2026, with the opera concert as its centrepiece. Haïm's leadership, alongside the soloists and orchestra, ensures a night of Baroque brilliance. Beyond the music, the itinerary showcases Lyon's rich cultural layers, from its historic heart to its cutting-edge skyline.
