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Ravel's Boléro / The Nutcracker / Swan Lake / Bizet's L'Arlésienne (excerpts)
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of legendary scores, brought to life by an ensemble renowned for its youthful energy and exceptional technical precision. From the hypnotic rhythm of Ravel to the romantic flair of Tchaikovsky, this program promises a truly mesmerizing musical experience.
Eglise Saint Sulpice (Paris 6th)
About
The Hélios Orchestra performs at the Saint-Sulpice Church on Wednesday, December 30, 2026, for an evening of classical masterpieces. Under the leadership of Paul Savalle, the ensemble presents iconic works including Ravel’s Boléro, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake, alongside Bizet’s L’Arlésienne. This orchestra, known for fostering the professional development of young musicians alongside experienced soloists, offers a symphonic journey within the historic 6th arrondissement. The concert runs from 20:00 to 22:00. Tickets are available at various price points, with special reduced rates provided for students and unemployed individuals.
Ravel's Boléro
Boléro is the most played piece of classical music in the world, with a performance taking place every 15 minutes. At the time of its creation, the composer had given the copyright to his gardener, never foreseeing its success with the general public.
This work is the archetype of the ostinato. The melody is taken up in turn by the various instruments of the orchestra over a rhythmic formula played by percussion.
The Nutcracker
The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky's final ballet, follows in the direct line of his previous ones: inhabited by the spirit of the fairy tale, blending fantasy and magic, carried by a constant concern for dramatic unity. All of this served by dazzling mastery and symphonic inventiveness.
Swan Lake
Inspired by Nordic tales and legends whose main motif is the curse of a metamorphosis into a swan (Musaüs' The Stolen Veil, Grimm's The Six Swans, Andersen's The Wild Swans, etc.), Swan Lake is part of broader themes that run through the entire Romantic movement: mad love and death, infinite desire, dreams, and the fantastic.
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. As for the repertoire, it is both symphonic and choral, with the orchestra partnering with departmental and regional choirs.
Thanks to the collaboration of different conductors, the musicians approach a very rich repertoire while broadening their interpretation palette. They all come from major French conservatories, with some belonging to a national orchestra.
From a string quartet to a symphony orchestra, including brass ensembles, the orchestra is always expanding its audience by modulating its composition. The "strings" ensemble performs in picturesque locations that could not accommodate a symphony orchestra, allowing the public to discover a very rich architectural heritage.
In short, thanks to its variable geometry formation, the Hélios orchestra approaches the widest repertoire with passionate curiosity.
Our take on this event
On Wednesday, December 30, 2026, the Hélios Orchestra takes the stage at the Saint-Sulpice Church for a performance spanning from 20:00 to 22:00. The evening’s repertoire features four major works: Ravel’s Boléro, Tchaikovsky’s ballets The Nutcracker and Swan Lake, and excerpts from Bizet’s L’Arlésienne.
Since its inception in 2014, the Hélios Orchestra, led by artistic director Paul Savalle, has built a reputation for its eclectic programs. The ensemble serves as a platform for young graduates from major French conservatories to perform alongside seasoned musicians and soloists. By modulating its size—ranging from string quartets to full symphonic formations—the orchestra brings classical music into diverse architectural settings.
Ticket pricing is structured as follows: Prestige category at 60 €, Category 1 at 40 €, and Category 2 at 30 €. Concessions are available for students and the unemployed, with Category 1 priced at 30 € and Category 2 at 20 €. Advance booking is recommended to secure your place in this iconic Paris venue.
