Lecture
Patrick Bade
Sunday 17.05.2026
Patrick Bade
Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
Sunday 17.05.2026
How to watch
This lecture starts on 17 May at 5:00pm (UK).
Summary
One of the most beautiful musical and cultural venues in the world, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées opened in 1913. It was notable for its pioneering building construction, as well as for its exquisite decoration. Soon after its opening it was the scene of a famous riot at the premiere of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” In 1925, Josephine Baker burst upon the Paris scene in the Revue Nègre. The theater went on to host many of the greatest musical performers of the 20th century before being taken over by the Nazi occupiers in World War II.
Patrick Bade
Patrick Bade is a historian, writer, and broadcaster. He studied at UCL and the Courtauld Institute of Art. He was a senior lecturer at Christie’s Education for many years and has worked for the Art Fund, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, and V&A. He has published on 19th- and early 20th-century paintings and historical vocal recordings. His latest book is Music Wars: 1937–1945.