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Founded in the 17th century under the aegis of Louis XIV, the Paris Opera Ballet (Opéra national de Paris) has become a cornerstone of classical ballet, defining the techniques and standards that are recognised worldwide. For over 350 years, the Paris Opera Ballet has preserved this legacy of elegance, discipline, and technical mastery, earning its place as one of the most esteemed and sought-after companies across the globe.
The Paris Opera Ballet's acclaim also stems from its skillful balance between honouring classical traditions and embracing innovation. Recognising the importance of evolving with artistic trends, the institution has consistently positioned itself as a hub where ballet’s timeless heritage converges with contemporary innovation. In this way, it serves as a crossroads where the traditions of the past and the innovations of the future come together.
This subtle 'marriage' is evident in our support for neoclassical ballet, which blends the elegance of classical technique with modern innovation, embodying a commitment to continuous reinvention.
The Palais Garnier, your host on November 12, is much more than a historic monument; it functions as a dance laboratory where the expressions of tomorrow are nurtured and refined. Here, talent from around the globe comes together, drawn by the chance for meaningful dialogue that honours tradition while embracing contemporary innovation.
This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation aligns perfectly with the mission of Crédit Agricole CIB. Since 2018, the Bank has been a committed patron of the Paris Opera and a member of the Association pour le rayonnement de l'Opéra de Paris (AROP). Through this partnership, it fosters significant initiatives, supports major events, and actively promotes lyrical and choreographic arts. This dedication is evident in the financing of productions and tours, as well as in the organisation of events that unite employees and clients through art and culture.
In this context, Crédit Agricole CIB has played a crucial role in the production and distribution of iconic neoclassical ballets, including Kenneth MacMillan's powerful and evocative Mayerling, which you will have the opportunity to experience during your evening.
Emerging from the 20th century, neoclassical ballet is marked by its adept balance between the strict traditions of classical ballet and the creative influences of modern dance. This movement emerged from a desire to expand the established boundaries of ballet while maintaining its technical foundations, enabling greater freedom of expression in both movement and performance aesthetics.
With this, music takes on a fundamental role, but from a fresh perspective on the classical tradition. Here, movement drives the choice of music, as choreographers select existing pieces, rearranging them or commissioning new compositions to convey the emotions and gestures they wish to express. This distinctive symbiosis between dance and music enhances the narrative, with each gesture seeking its perfect resonance in every note. As you read, let our playlist transport you into this captivating and dynamic journey!
From the beginning of its partnership with the Opera, Crédit Agricole CIB chose to support John Neumeier's ballet La Dame aux camélias, inspired by Alexandre Dumas Fils and set to music by Frédéric Chopin. The delicate lyricism of the Polish composer, who made France his beloved home, beautifully captures the frivolous yet nostalgic atmosphere of Romantic Paris and the tragic tale of the courtesan Marie Duplessis. For instance, John Neumeier selected the sublime Ballade No. 1 (track 1) and the second movement of the Second Piano Concerto (track 2) to accompany the lovers' intense pas de deux.
More than five years later, neoclassical ballet remains a cornerstone of Crédit Agricole CIB's commitment to the Opéra national de Paris. In February 2023, the Bank hosted a gala evening honouring the choreographer George Balanchine, the founder of the New York City Ballet and a pivotal figure in the evolution of neoclassical ballet. With Ballet Impérial, customers and partners were treated to a glimpse of how the young dancer, after fleeing the USSR and finding refuge in the United States, reinterpreted the grand style of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Second Piano Concerto (track 3). This work served as a tribute to the Russian imperial classical style, infused with Balanchine's unique vision. In the second half of the evening, the ballet Who Cares? (set to the music of George Gershwin, tracks 4-5) showcased the choreographer's evolution amid the vibrant American jazz scene, demonstrating how classical ballet is not lost but transformed.
In November 2023, the Bank honoured the legacy of Jerome Robbins on the 25th anniversary of his passing. The choreographer of West Side Story, who maintained a close relationship with the Paris Opera Ballet, left a legacy of several iconic ballets, reflecting his perpetual quest to harmonise contemporary and classical dance. Among these are En Sol, set to the bold, modernist harmonies of Maurice Ravel (tracks 6 and 7), who composed his Concerto upon returning from the USA, and The Concert, a witty ballet featuring the unexpected music of Chopin. In this piece, Robbins challenged tradition to highlight its comedic potential, notably through a hilarious pas de six set to the Valse in E minor (track 8), filled with playful errors and deliberate departures from classical norms.
In 2024, Crédit Agricole CIB will shine a spotlight on British choreographer Kenneth MacMillan. In February, the bank will accompany the Ballet on an exceptional tour to Japan, supporting the performance of L'Histoire de Manon, based on the tragic novel by Abbé Prévost. This jewel of neoclassical heritage and masterpiece of the repertoire beautifully illustrates how choreographers have reimagined music and heritage to create something innovative. Kenneth MacMillan chose to re-orchestrate several pieces by Jules Massenet—who also composed the opera Manon—to enhance the narrative and character development. For instance, the exquisite melody Elégie (track 9) underscores the passionate declarations of love between Manon and Des Grieux, while Crépuscule (track 10) poignantly captures the heroine's moments of doubt and solitude.
This November, Crédit Agricole CIB invites you to experience Mayerling, another iconic ballet by Kenneth MacMillan, dedicated to the tragic and sordid death of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire at his hunting lodge. To address this highly unusual yet romantic subject on the classical stage, MacMillan once again turned to the music of Franz Liszt, who shared Hungarian roots with the ballet’s protagonist, Rudolf (track 11), as well as a sense of existential anguish, exemplified in the Études transcendantes (tracks 12 and 13), which symbolise the prince's descent into despair. Additionally, Liszt's fascination with evil and its symbolic manifestations resonates throughout the score, from the Faust Symphony (track 14) to the Mephisto Waltz (track 15).
The quest for harmony between tradition and innovation goes far beyond the stage, manifesting in collaborative projects between the Opéra national de Paris and Crédit Agricole CIB. Together, they are reinventing access to culture by merging heritage preservation with cutting-edge technologies, transforming their shared values into initiatives that make art accessible to everyone and open up new perspectives.
One notable example is the support for the Paris Opera's performance retransmission initiative. In response to the health crisis, which heightened the need for cultural connections, the Opéra developed live and replay broadcasts of its performances. This initiative allows millions of viewers to experience the artistry from the comfort of their homes, significantly widening access to culture.
This support extended to a project in partnership with the #TousMobilisésPourNosAînés initiative of the Crédit Agricole Solidarité et Développement Foundation. With backing from Crédit Agricole CIB, the Opéra launched an innovative program designed specifically for residents of EHPAD (nursing homes). This initiative included the distribution of virtual reality headsets, allowing residents to explore the sets of the Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille in stunning 360°.
Beneficiaries of the program also had the chance to enjoy excerpts from neoclassical ballets, such as Angelin Preljocaj's Le Parc, set to the music of Mozart (track 16), and Roland Petit's Notre-Dame de Paris, featuring the score by Maurice Jarre (the composer behind the Doctor Zhivago soundtrack, heard on track 17). The program was further enhanced by artistic mediation sessions, providing opportunities for direct exchanges with Opera artists, enriching the overall experience.
Through its partnership with the Opéra national de Paris, Crédit Agricole CIB showcases how tradition and innovation can unite to create extraordinary artistic experiences. Join us on November 12 to take part in this cultural adventure and celebrate the enchanting world of art in a truly unique setting.
