Last December, we were consulted to work on the new visual identity of the Opéra de Saint-Étienne. After almost 6 months of work, we are extremely proud to present this project to you today. With more than 150 curtain raisers for nearly 60 shows during the 14-15 season, the Opéra de Saint-Étienne is an important cultural structure, one of the main players in the cultural life of Saint-Etienne. The vocation reaffirmed for the Opera is that of a house of creation and dissemination; a lyrical theater specializing in the French romantic repertoire of the 19th century, also offering an expanded offer to other artistic forms (music, dance, etc.). With its own set and costume construction workshops, the Opera produces and co-produces new lyrical productions each season, and also fulfills an essential mission with young audiences, offering a dedicated, rich and varied season.
The objective indicated by the sponsor was to restore a feeling of closeness with the Stéphanois, through simple and popular communication. The main novelty was the abandonment of the name "Opéra Théâtre" in favor of "Opéra de Saint-Étienne" in order to reflect an image of an opera house with its historical audience, but also with potential audiences. The theatrical programming being entrusted background remove service to the newly reopened "Comédie de Saint-Étienne". 1969 Inauguration of the Maison de la Culture et des Loisirs de Saint-Étienne by André Malraux. It was then called the Esplanade. The project at the time was to make artistic works accessible to as many French people as possible and to establish a balance between Paris and the provinces through a policy of cultural decentralization. The building is the work of architects Ferraz, Seignol.
Gouyon and Clément. 1998 An arson attack destroys the Grand Théâtre Massenet; programming outside the walls is organized for two seasons. In 2001, the Grand Théâtre Massenet reopened to the public. In 2006, L'Esplanade became the Opera Theater of Saint-Étienne. 2015 A new page is being written: the Opéra Théâtre de Saint-Étienne becomes the Opéra de Saint-Étienne, and today offers a program refocused on its lyrical production, giving a privileged place to the Orchester Symphonique Saint-Étienne Loire and the Choeur Lyrique Saint-Étienne Loire. THE ROOF An essential architectural element, the roof of the building makes a “sign”. By the geography of its location, on the height of the Jardin des Plantes, this sign overlooks the city, and imposes itself in the sight of all Saint-Etienne residents.