The Baroque Carnival
Baroque show mixing circus, music, and theater at Espace Jean Legendre
About Baroque Carnival
The Baroque Carnival is a grand spectacle mixing circus, baroque music, and theater, presented at the Espace Jean Legendre in Compiègne. Created in partnership with Le Poème Harmonique, this show transports the audience to 17th-century Rome during carnival. About twenty artists—acrobats, singers, and musicians—perform extravagant episodes, moving from eccentric bourgeois dinners to impressive street scenes, set against famous and new Italian tunes from the baroque repertoire. An explosion of joyful colors and sounds.
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The Baroque Carnival: A Journey to 17th-Century Rome
The Baroque Carnival is a unique show, a collaboration between the Théâtres de Compiègne and the ensemble Le Poème Harmonique, directed by Vincent Dumestre. This immersive show plunges the spectator into the effervescence of 17th-century Roman carnival, a time of buffoonery, pleasure, and unbridled passions.
A Total Spectacle Mixing Circus Arts and Baroque Music
On stage, about twenty artists display their multiple talents: whirling acrobats, lyrical singers, and baroque musicians merge in a joyful and intoxicating whirlwind. Extravagant episodes follow one another, transporting the audience from aristocratic salons to lively Roman squares, in a spiral of enchanting colors and melodies.
An Exceptional Musical Repertoire
The score of the Baroque Carnival draws from the rich repertoire of 17th-century Italian music. It features famous tunes that made Le Poème Harmonique renowned, as well as new pieces unearthed from Italian musical archives. This music, at times tender, comical, and virtuosic, masterfully accompanies the artists' circus feats.
Espace Jean Legendre, the Setting for this Spectacle
The Espace Jean Legendre, a national stage in Compiègne, hosts this show under optimal technical conditions. This modern performance venue, located in the heart of the imperial city, offers remarkable acoustics that highlight the subtleties of baroque music while accommodating the acrobatic prowess of the circus artists.
Le Poème Harmonique, Guarantee of Musical Excellence
Founded in 1998 by Vincent Dumestre, Le Poème Harmonique is one of the most renowned baroque music ensembles in France. Specializing in music from the 17th and 18th centuries, the ensemble has developed an original approach combining concert, theater, and visual arts, of which the Baroque Carnival is one of its most accomplished and spectacular achievements.
An Unforgettable Sensory Experience
Lasting 1 hour and 25 minutes, the Baroque Carnival is a true feast for the senses. Sumptuous costumes, evocative sets, breathtaking acrobatics, and enchanting music combine to offer a moment of pure theatrical delight. The show delights both lovers of classical music and circus enthusiasts, and captivates a family audience with its infectious energy and contagious joie de vivre.
Baroque Carnival — edition 2026
The Baroque Carnival returns to the Espace Jean Legendre in Compiègne on January 16, 2026, at 8:30 PM as part of the 2025-2026 season of the Théâtres de Compiègne.
Prices Baroque Carnival 2026
Practical information — Baroque Carnival
Access and Transport
By car: Compiègne is accessible via the A1 motorway (exit 10 Compiègne Sud) from Paris (approx. 1 hour) or via the N31 from Beauvais (approx. 1 hour). Paid parking is available near Espace Jean Legendre, notably the parking lot at Place du Général de Gaulle and the underground parking in the city center. It is recommended to arrive early on performance evenings to easily find a spot.
By train: Compiègne station is served by TER Hauts-de-France and Intercités trains from Paris-Nord (approx. 40 minutes, frequent trains). Espace Jean Legendre is about a 10-minute walk from the station, crossing the historic city center.
By bus: The urban bus network TIC serves the entire Compiègne agglomeration. Several lines stop near Espace Jean Legendre.
Practical Information
Venue: Espace Jean Legendre – Théâtre de Compiègne, Place Briet Daubigny, rue du Général Koenig, 60200 Compiègne.
Show duration: 1 hour 25 minutes without intermission.
Accessibility: Espace Jean Legendre is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Please report any specific needs when booking.
Prices
From €17 to €23 depending on the seat category chosen. Reduced rates are available for those under 30, job seekers, and groups. Booking is highly recommended as seats are limited and the show attracts a large audience.
Ticketing
Online: billetterie.espacejeanlegendre.com (secure payment by credit card).
On-site: Espace Jean Legendre ticket office, open Tuesday to Friday from 1:30 PM to 6 PM, Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM, and Monday from 2 PM to 6 PM (phone only). The ticket office also opens one hour before each performance.
Catering
The bar at Espace Jean Legendre is open before the show and during the intermission (when applicable). Numerous restaurants are located nearby in the center of Compiègne for dinner before or after the performance.
Contact
Théâtres de Compiègne – Tel: 03 44 92 76 76 – Website: www.theatresdecompiegne.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Baroque Carnival at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Baroque Carnival
Espace Jean Legendre
Place Briet Daubigny, rue du Général Koenig, 60200 Compiègne