Photo : choeur d'enfants de l'orchestre de paris © denis allard
The King with Donkey Ears
Surfing on the success of their oratorio Mytho but not too much, Les Lunaisiens return by revisiting the story of King Midas, whom Apollo saddled with donkey ears. A base revenge: Midas judged Pan a better musician than that jealous god...
Philharmonie de Paris (Paris 19th)
About
Pop-up opera for little ones, oratorios for children's choirs, song fishing... For over fifteen years, Arnaud Marzorati and Les Lunaisiens have been traveling the roads of France, especially in the Hauts-de-France region, inviting young and old to discover the repertoire and other stories in a different way. After painting with Monet's Hits, science with Eureka, or the plant world, they are now tackling mythology. While King Midas is well known for his power to turn everything he touches into gold, his musical mishaps are less remembered, along with his shameful metamorphosis following Apollo's anger toward him. Donkey ears: what a petty punishment from a god, however vexed he might have been!
Cast
Children's Choir of the Orchestre de Paris
Les Lunaisiens
Arnaud Marzorati, artistic director
Richard Wilberforce, choirmaster
Amélie Parias, stage director
Rémi Aguirre Zubiri, choirmaster
Edwin Baudo, choirmaster
Evann Loget-Raymond, choirmaster
Our take on this event
Step aside from typical storytimes and dive into the whimsical musical world of a king with some very unusual appendages. This vibrant performance brings ancient mythology to life through the harmonious energy of a talented children's choir.
On June 20, 2027, the Philharmonie de Paris hosts Le Roi aux oreilles d’âne, a musical retelling of the Midas myth designed for audiences aged 8 and up. Under the artistic direction of Arnaud Marzorati, the ensemble Les Lunaisiens and the Orchestre de Paris Children’s Choir bring this ancient tale to life through a staging by Amélie Parias. Lasting exactly one hour, from 11:00 to 12:00, this paid event explores the consequences of Apollo’s wrath on a music-loving king. Join this unique performance in the 19th arrondissement to experience mythology reimagined through opera and choral storytelling.
The Philharmonie de Paris presents a special performance of Le Roi aux oreilles d’âne, focusing on the legendary king Midas. While most remember his touch that turned objects to gold, this show highlights his lesser-known struggles as a music lover facing the divine judgment of Apollo, who punishes him with the ears of a donkey. It is a creative approach to classic mythology suitable for children aged 8 and older.
The production features artistic director Arnaud Marzorati alongside the ensemble Les Lunaisiens and the Orchestre de Paris Children’s Choir. The staging is crafted by Amélie Parias, with choral direction led by Richard Wilberforce, Rémi Aguirre Zubiri, Edwin Baudo, and Evann Loget-Raymond. This collaboration ensures a high-quality musical experience that balances traditional storytelling with refined vocal arrangements.
This single performance takes place on Sunday, June 20, 2027, in the 19th arrondissement. The show runs from 11:00 to 12:00. Please be aware that this is a paid event. Attendees should arrive promptly to ensure a smooth experience during this one-hour presentation.