In the unique atmosphere of Le Siècle restaurant, Gilles San Juan's voice illuminates the opera evenings he shares with Laurie Jauffret. The artist delivers his art with a singular elegance and emotion, the secret of which only he knows.
Gilles San Juan, at the crossroads of the arts
An actor, artist, and singer, he performs the tenor register in opera, "the highest vocal range for men." He possesses one of those rare voices that combine power and emotion. A former student of the Nice Conservatory, he has captivated opera houses with his distinctive timbre. In 2019, he notably participated in the television show The Voice.
The Voice: a human and artistic adventure
The general public discovered Gilles San Juan on television, during his notable appearance on The Voice. "It's a very good experience, I have nothing but good things to say about it."
Selected from over 50,000 candidates, he captivated the jury with an unexpected repertoire: an Argentine tango, a far cry from his usual operatic arias. Julien Clerc, then a member of the jury, was won over. The artist progressed through several stages of the competition, reaching the battles, where he performed "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." Beyond the television show itself, he particularly cherishes the enriching human experience and the friendships forged with the TF1 team, especially with Bruno Berberes, the casting director.
The spirit of Opera evenings: luxury, calm and pleasure
For Gilles, these three words perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Le Siècle restaurant. "It's a timeless place, essential to life in Nice, to gastronomy, and to the hotel industry." In this elegant setting, gastronomy and opera meet thanks to the concept of the singing waiters, singers who serve while performing operatic arias. Through these opera evenings, he seeks to revive the atmosphere of the musical salons of the Belle Époque, recreating the elegance and harmony that reigned at the end of the 19th century. The concept appeals to both opera regulars and newcomers alike: the artist offers the audience the beauty of their voice in a refined yet welcoming setting where music becomes a universal language.
An artistic partnership with Laurie Jauffret
On stage, Gilles San Juan shares the bill with Laurie Jauffret, a soprano from Nice and his long-time stage partner. Their connection is both musical and personal.
It was in 2013, at the Nice Conservatory, that their paths crossed. Since then, they have collaborated on numerous events. The two artists form a genuine lyrical duo, sometimes explosive but always harmonious. Their rapport fosters a unique alchemy, born from a shared passion for the stage and music.
The evolution of opera: between tradition and modernity
Opera is currently going through a difficult period in France. According to him, this art form must combine tradition and innovation to remain vibrant. His career has allowed him to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds, proving that the operatic voice can adapt to contemporary creations. He participates in modern projects, such as using his voice as an instrument in a piece by the promising young composer Nicolas Pesti. For him, opera is simultaneously past, present, and future, and must continue to evolve while preserving its essence, especially in the age of the artificial intelligence revolution. His dream? To continue performing on stage, captivating his audience, and pursuing his passion with the same intensity.
Join Gilles San Juan and Laurie Jauffret at Le Siècle restaurant , every first Friday of the month, from October 2025 to March 2026, with the exception of January!