Photo : RATP - Jean François MAUBOUSSIN
Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Ave Maria and Famous Adagios
Trade the urban noise for a transcendent journey through timeless melodies and soaring strings. Within the hallowed walls of a historic sanctuary, you will experience an intimate performance that brings the masterworks of Vivaldi and his peers to breathtaking life.
Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris 6th)
About
The Hélios Orchestra performs at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Schubert’s Ave Maria, and Albinoni’s Adagio. This concert series highlights both baroque and romantic masterworks, showcasing the technical skill of an ensemble that blends emerging talent with experienced soloists. Set within the historic 6th arrondissement, these evening performances run from 20:00 to 22:00, offering a profound musical experience in a majestic setting. The venue is fully accessible to wheelchair users, ensuring everyone can enjoy the performance. Tickets are available with prices ranging from 20 to 60 euros.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Ave Maria and Famous Adagios
Vivaldi's "Summer" and "Winter", Handel's "Sarabande", Massenet's "Méditation de Thaïs", Bach's "Aria", Schubert's "Ave Maria", Rachmaninoff's "Vocalise", Albinoni's "Adagio in G Minor", Brahms' "Hungarian Dance No. 5", Paganini's "Andante Cantabile", Chopin's "Nocturne", Elgar's "Salut d'amour", Monti's "Czardas".
Presentation of the work
This is arguably Vivaldi's most famous composition and the most performed musical work in the world. It is a violin concerto where the soloist plays accompanied by a chamber orchestra. The content of each part is varied and evokes each of the seasons to which it relates. For example, winter is punctuated by pizzicato notes on the high strings, reminiscent of icy rain, while summer evokes a storm in the final movement, prepared by thunder that rumbles several times in the movement.
Helios
Dynamic and eclectic, the Hélios orchestra has established itself since its creation in 2014.
Its artistic director, Paul Savalle, promotes the professional integration of young musicians through orchestral practice. Thus, young graduates mingle with experienced orchestral musicians, conductors, and soloists, in optimal working conditions.
From baroque music to contemporary music, the programs are varied, the repertoire is both symphonic and choral, with the orchestra partnering with departmental and regional choirs.
Thanks to the collaboration with different conductors, the musicians approach a very rich repertoire, expanding their range of interpretation. They all come from major French conservatories, some belonging to a national orchestra.
From string quartet to symphonic orchestra, including the brass ensemble, the orchestra is always expanding its audience by modulating its composition. The "strings" ensemble performs in the most prestigious churches in Paris, which allows the public to discover a very rich architectural heritage.
Its variable geometry formation allows the Hélios orchestra to approach a very wide repertoire with passionate curiosity.
Our take on this event
Experience the timeless beauty of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons alongside iconic pieces like Massenet’s Meditation from Thaïs, Bach’s Aria, and Rachmaninov’s Vocalise. The Hélios Orchestra, founded in 2014 by Paul Savalle, brings together professional musicians and gifted graduates to deliver a rich, varied program. Whether through the dramatic shifts of Vivaldi’s seasonal evocations or the lyrical depth of Chopin’s Nocturne and Paganini’s Andante Cantabile, the ensemble demonstrates its versatility and passion for the classical repertoire.
Events take place at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, with sessions scheduled for 30 October 2026, 27 November 2026, and 09 January 2027. Each concert runs from 20:00 to 22:00. Attendees can choose from seating tiers priced between 20 and 60 euros. The venue is equipped to welcome visitors using wheelchairs. This unique combination of high-caliber musicianship and architectural heritage offers a refined evening in Paris.
