Former Director of France’s Opéra de Reims has Died, Aged 68

The director of Opéra de Reims until 2023, Serge Gaymard has tragically died in a house fire

Serge Gaymard was the director of France’s Opéra de Reims from 2000 to 2023. He died on Saturday morning, following a fire at his home; an investigation into the causes of his death has since been opened.

As cited by France Bleu, the criminal hypothesis is not favored, according to the public prosecutor — Gaymard may have died “while smoking in his bed,” and a “precautionary” autopsy will be carried out. 

For 20 years, Gaymard chaired the association “Cultures du Cœur Champagne-Ardenne,” which he founded in 2003. The organization defends the right to culture for all by promoting attendance at cultural and sporting venues. 

He was also an administrator at the Génération Opéra, which recently wrote in a tribute: “Serge Gaymard has brought us over time his keen eye on the evolution of our operas. It's a chance to have had him by our side, he will remain in our minds and in our hearts.”

In honor of his memory and legacy, Opéra de Reims has created a tribute book, inviting all those who have been touched by his work to contribute to the collection, “as a vibrant tribute to the one who gave so much to the Reims Opera and the artistic community.”

Additionally, the opera house will host the “All at the Opera” event alongside the tribute book on May 5, 2024, in Gaymard’s memory —  the first edition of the event was held under his direction.

“We just learned of the tragic passing of Serge Gaymard,” Opéra de Reims posted on their website. “The entire staff of the Reims Opera, which he conducted for 20 years, is in shock. On behalf of the entire Opera team, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

“For 23 years, Serge Gaymard has directed the Reims Opera with passion and dedication, leaving his footprint on every production, every performance,” they continued. “His unwavering commitment to lyrical art and artistic vision shaped Opera as we know it today.”

“A cultural actor in our city, he was a man of extreme intelligence and his human qualities were appreciated by all,” said the mayor of Reims, Arnaud Robinet according to radiofrance. “He contributed greatly to the influence of our city. To his loved ones, to his family, I send on behalf of all the people of Reims our sincere condolences. The city of Reims will pay him a tribute worthy of what he represented.”