Rolex Presents Grand Gala Evening at Palais Garnier
Rolex will host a star-studded gala at Palais Garnier with the Vienna Philharmonic to mark 150 years of the iconic Paris Opera House.
On 11 May 2025, Rolex will present an extraordinary gala evening at the Palais Garnier in collaboration with the Paris Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic.
The event forms part of the grand celebrations commemorating the 150th anniversary of this Parisian architectural masterpiece.
The evening will feature world-renowned artists and Rolex Testimonees performing with the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
The program includes works by Bizet and his contemporaries such as Massenet, Gounod, Verdi, Rachmaninov, and Tchaikovsky.
Held at the historic Palais Garnier, the event highlights the venue’s rich artistic legacy.
Rolex, through its Perpetual Arts Initiative, supports excellence in the arts across music, opera, theatre, architecture, and visual arts.
Its partnership with the Paris Opera, ongoing since 2014, is part of a broader cultural commitment that includes alliances with Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera House, the Metropolitan Opera, and Elbphilharmonie.
The company is also a major supporter of key festivals, including the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna Philharmonic’s iconic concerts.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera since 2018, is celebrated for his dynamic presence and progressive approach to classical repertoire.
He also holds long-term leadership roles with the Orchestre Métropolitain in Montreal and the Philadelphia Orchestra, while maintaining close ties with Europe’s premier ensembles.
He became a Rolex Testimonee in 2024.
Sir Bryn Terfel, one of the world’s foremost bass-baritones, is revered for his compelling interpretations of Wagner and Verdi.
He has graced the stages of the Met and Royal Opera House, and performed at King Charles III’s coronation. He joined the Rolex family in 2007.
Juan Diego Flórez, acclaimed for his dazzling bel canto technique, made his debut at La Scala at just 23.
A passionate advocate for music education, he founded Sinfonía por el Perú, a social initiative supported by Rolex. He became a Testimonee in 2015.
Sonya Yoncheva, the Bulgarian soprano renowned for her emotive performances, rose to international acclaim after a breakthrough role at the Met.
Her vast repertoire spans Puccini, Verdi, Bellini and Cherubini. She has been a Rolex Testimonee since 2011.
Rolando Villazón, celebrated for his expressive tenor voice and charisma, has expanded his artistic career to include directing, writing and festival leadership.
He is Artistic Director of both Mozart Week and the Mozarteum Foundation and has been a Rolex Testimonee since 2005.
Yuja Wang, a virtuoso pianist known for her technical precision and magnetic presence, gained international fame after stepping in for Martha Argerich with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
She continues to perform globally and collaborate with leading orchestras. She joined Rolex in 2009.
Rolex’s cultural patronage dates back to 1976 with its first musical Testimonee, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
The brand has since supported a distinguished roster of artists, including Cecilia Bartoli, Jonas Kaufmann, Gustavo Dudamel and Anoushka Shankar.
The company also invests in emerging talent through initiatives such as Operalia, the Vienna Philharmonic Academy and the Karajan Young Conductors Award.
Since 2010, Rolex has partnered with Medici.tv to bring world-class performances to a global audience.
