A monumental evening took place on Fifth Avenue as Théâtre des Champs‑Élysées, Paris’s iconic venue, made its first-ever season announcement in the United States. Hosted at Judith Pisar’s art-filled residence, the event brought together 70 guests to celebrate the theater’s legacy and future.
A Historic Announcement
Marifé Hernández, the theater’s International Circle Co‑Chairman, set the tone for the evening with enthusiasm. “We extend our hands across the ocean,” she shared. “This is an invitation to join us in celebrating the best of opera, dance, and concert at the Carnegie Hall of Paris.”
Among the evening’s highlights was the announcement of the theater’s fall season, featuring a groundbreaking program to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Josephine Baker’s debut at the theater. Chanel will sponsor the costumes, and the Royal Family of Monaco will attend, along with Baker’s son, Brian Bouillon-Baker.
A Personal Connection
Judith Pisar, a long-time supporter of the Théâtre des Champs‑Élysées, spoke fondly of her early connection to the venue. “In 1971, I arrived in Paris and felt out of place until I discovered this jewel,” she recalled. “It has been a beacon of cultural diplomacy ever since.”
Pisar emphasized the importance of the theater in strengthening transatlantic ties, especially in these challenging times. “We have a significant role to play in the health of the transatlantic alliance,” she noted.
Charroing’s Vision for the Future
Baptiste Charroing, in his first season as Director, shared his bold vision for the theater’s future. “This is a house of artists,” he stated. “We will honor the greats like Stravinsky and Nijinsky while making room for fresh, diverse voices.”
Charroing emphasized a commitment to gender equality in the arts. “We will give women a greater space to create and be celebrated.” He also discussed the importance of celebrating Josephine Baker not only for her contributions to music and performance but for her role in the Civil Rights movement.
Guests attend the meeting of Baptiste Charroing, the next general director of the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, at a private residence in NYC on April 9th, 2025. (Photo by Michael Ostuni)
A Groundbreaking Program
The opening program will pay tribute to Josephine Baker with a world premiere by renowned Senegalese choreographer Germaine Acogny. Acogny, who knew Baker personally, has created a dance piece that reflects their shared struggles and values.
The performance will also feature Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring, performed by 35 dancers from 17 African nations. The iconic Stravinsky composition, originally premiered at the Théâtre des Champs‑Élysées, will be part of this groundbreaking event.
A Star-Studded Evening
The gathering included a distinguished list of guests, including F. Murray Abraham, Jamie Bernstein, Twyla Tharp, and Candace Bushnell. As the evening unfolded, Llewellyn Sánchez-Werner performed Stravinsky, leaving the guests captivated by his virtuosic talent.
The celebration continued late into the night with a buffet supper, where guests shared their excitement about the upcoming season and the theater’s future.
About Théâtre des Champs‑Élysées
Opened in 1913, Théâtre des Champs‑Élysées is an intimate venue on Paris’s Avenue Montaigne, home to some of the world’s most legendary performances. Known for its world-class concerts, operas, and dance productions, it remains a cultural cornerstone of the city.
For more information, visit www.theatrechampselysees.fr.
