Celebrating 150 Years of the Palais Garnier with Rolex
May 16, 2025
A constellation of world-class musicians gathered at Paris’s iconic Palais Garnier to mark its 150th anniversary, as Rolex, the Paris Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic joined forces for an unforgettable gala. With celebrated singers and a renowned orchestra under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the evening paid tribute not only to the grandeur of the venue but also to the enduring power of music and the nurturing of future generations through the arts
On a crisp May evening, the gilded halls of Paris’s Palais Garnier shimmered with more than their usual opulence. The occasion? A singular gala concert marking the 150th anniversary of this legendary opera house - a landmark that has stood at the heart of Parisian culture since the Belle Époque, its marble and gold corridors echoing with the ghosts of the world’s greatest performances and the fictional drama of the Phantom of the Opera.
But on May 11, 2025, it was not just history that filled the air. Instead, the Palais Garnier became a living testament to the enduring power of music, as Rolex, in partnership with the Paris Opera and the Vienna Philharmonic, orchestrated an evening that brought together some of the finest talents in the world of classical music.
A gathering of greats
The stage was set for an unprecedented convergence of artistry. Five Rolex ambassadors: tenors Juan Diego Flórez and Rolando Villazón; bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel; soprano Sonya Yoncheva; and pianist Yuja Wang joined the illustrious Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, himself a conductor celebrated for his dynamic leadership and innovative spirit. For the Vienna Philharmonic, this was a first: never before had the orchestra performed at the Palais Garnier, making the evening doubly historic.
The programme was a lyrical journey through the Romantic era, featuring works by Bizet, Massenet, Gounod, Verdi, Rachmaninov, and Tchaikovsky. Each piece was chosen not only for its musical brilliance but for its resonance with the venue’s storied past - a tribute to both the legacy of the Garnier and the timelessness of great music.
More than a concert
Yet, this gala was about more than just spectacle. All proceeds from the evening were dedicated to the Paris Opera’s youth lyric orchestra (ADO – Apprentissage de l’Orchestre), ensuring that the next generation of musicians can follow in the footsteps of the evening’s stars. It was a gesture that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Rolex’s Perpetual Arts Initiative, a programme devoted to nurturing excellence and passing on artistic heritage across generations.
Rolex’s commitment to the arts is not new. For over half a century, the company has partnered with leading artists and cultural institutions worldwide, championing the pursuit of perfection and the transmission of knowledge and tradition. The Perpetual Arts Initiative extends across disciplines-from music to architecture, dance to cinema-reflecting a philosophy that values the journey of achievement as much as the destination1.
The artists’ stories
Each performer brought a unique narrative to the stage. Sir Bryn Terfel, the Welsh bass-baritone knighted for his services to music, is renowned for roles that have captivated audiences from New York to London. Juan Diego Flórez’s journey from Lima to the world’s grandest stages is matched only by his commitment to musical education for underprivileged children in Peru. Sonya Yoncheva’s meteoric rise, marked by a last-minute debut at the Met, and Yuja Wang’s dazzling virtuosity, discovered at just 20 years old, are testaments to talent meeting opportunity. Rolando Villazón, with his infectious passion, has enchanted audiences as both performer and director, while Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s leadership has revitalised orchestras on both sides of the Atlantic.
A living legacy
As the final notes of the evening faded, the audience was left with more than memories of beautiful music. The concert was a reminder that the arts are a living, breathing inheritance - one that must be cherished, celebrated, and, above all, shared. Through its support of the Palais Garnier, the Vienna Philharmonic, and the artists who graced the stage, Rolex reaffirmed its belief that excellence is not a destination, but a journey - one that connects the past, present, and future in a perpetual celebration of human achievement.
And so, beneath the chandeliers of the Palais Garnier, history was not just remembered - it was made anew.
Also see: The story behind the 2025 Rolex Pavilion in Venice
