There were many reasons to be excited to see « Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria », one of only three operas composed by Claudio Monteverdi ( in Venice in 1640) at Théâtre des Champs Elysées. The director, Mariame Clément, is steadily climbing in the aeropagus of International opera directors and she did not disappoint us. Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon was … Read More
“Fantasio” is illuminated by Marianne Crebassa
The first Opéra Comique production, after a few years of closing down, Fantasio, was much anticipated and my fears of Thomas Jolly’s direction were somewhat calmed down by the fabulous interpretation of Marianne Crebassa, a French mezzo soprano whose Spanish grandfather used to sing while picking grapes near Béziers.
Conductor Philippe Entremont is made Commandeur
It was a privileged moment to witness French conductor Philippe Entremont being honored with the order of Commandeur de la Légion d’honneur by Michel Desmet at the newly renotated Automobile Club, on place de la Concorde.
Valentine’s Day at the Châtelet with “Fantasio”
It was a fun occasion to discover the last works of restoration at Opéra Comique (which is reopening at the end of April) while tasting the raspberry love cake called « Favart » after the theatre’s founder’s name. Created by Le Nôtre to celebrate Valentine’s day and the new production of “Fantasio” by Offenbach, the cake will be served with … Read More
Opéra Comique reopens with a fun season
Olivier Mantei is a genius at communication and during the eighteen months renovation of Opéra Comique which he runs, he managed to keep his subscribers on alert all the time. His training with Accents and Laurence Equilbey and as an independent agent, with Peter Brook at Bouffes du Nord and as a music teacher in Morocco when he was young, … Read More
Sheila Hicks embroids Carnavalet
There is something whimsical about Sheila Hicks’ woolen art “ApprenTissages” exhibited in the courtyard of Musée Carnavalet until October 2. At the inauguration, the boxwood and flower bushes gave a welcome freshness to an overheated Marais. Hôtel Carnavalet was designed in the Renaissance and finished in the 17 th century by Mansart, is closing for renovation soon and Festival d’Automne … Read More
From Warsaw with love
« What do you think of our country? » was the anxious question asked by my host after a four day tour of Warsaw and Krakow. Well this is not so easy to answer, since Poland is so different from the western world I know and yet, it is so familiar. What struck me the most, was the extreme kindness and … Read More
Pont Croix, chamber music at its best
It was a magical evening thanks to the talent of very young musicians and the energy of Yves Petit de Voize. Brittany was warmer than ever and we had spent the day watching antique boats crossing from Brest to Douarnenez. The old Collégiale of Pont Croix, population 1 500, was packed with music lovers. And the Hermès quartet and French … Read More