Without knowing it, we are all familiar with Chopin's Nocturnes, so much so have they been used in popular culture, particularly in film. Dreamy and enchanting, they represent the apogee of spleen and delicacy, proper to the introspection and gentleness of the soul. Frédéric Chopin may not have invented the…
One of Leonardo García Alarcón's aspirations is to surround himself with artists who share his musical path and to fulfil their artistic dreams. When bandoneonist William Sabatier told him that he wanted to perform his interpretation of María de Buenos Aires in its original form, he said yes. La Cité…
Coming from the great Parisian orchestras, the musicians who make up the Sirba Octet have taken up the challenge of positioning themselves halfway between classical music and the traditional music of Eastern Europe. With Tsuzamen, they pay tribute to three peoples who have suffered genocide - the Roma, the Jews…
For the second year running, the Cité Bleue is hosting the HEM's major Fête des Claviers. Harpsichords, organs and pianofortes will join modern pianos to offer a highly varied programme of works for two keyboard instruments and four hands ranging from the Baroque period to the present day. This year,…
The Stabat Mater was once Domenico Scarlatti's most impressive work: defined by director Maëlle Dequiedt as ‘an attempt to overcome mourning through the expression of desire’, Simon-Pierre Bestion has freely adapted the score, using instruments from a wide range of origins and periods. A dazzlingly theatrical work - at times…
On stage, a single piano, black and white keys, and the charisma of a powerful voice: soprano Claron McFadden embodies the legendary figure of Nina Simone, conveying the singular energy of the woman who aspired to be "the first Black pianist." The entire show is based on Nina Simone's iconic…
Her name was Eunice Waymon, but she became Nina Simone. Blessed with dazzling talent and an unwavering passion for the piano, she dreamed of becoming a classical concert pianist. Despite her abilities, her dream was never to be, as she was refused entry to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia because…
Pompeo Magno, dramma per musica in three acts Music by Francesco Cavalli (1602 - 1676) Libretto by Nicolò Minato (1627 - 1698) First performed at the Teatro San Salvatore in Venice on 20 February 1666 After Elena, Il Giasone, Eliogabalo and Erismena, Leonardo García-Alarcón continues his rediscovery of the…
A special day at La Cité Bleue: Leonardo García-Alarcón begins by deciphering the iconic motifs of Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone and Charles Chaplin, taken from film scores featuring Sophia Loren. The exhibition then opens with Gianfranco Lelj's iconic photographs, highlighting his work with great directors such as Visconti, Fellini and…
"Drunk, you came into existence, and upon you is written nothingness. Here is the letter of nothingness: to complete your journey, enter into dance. Our peacock emerges, appears, and its colours are revealed. With the bird of the soul, it sings, without wings or feathers, and enters into dance." Jalāl…