April 27 to May 13, 2012
In the first quarter of the twentieth century, aspiring artists, poets and musicians were all drawn to Paris to partake in its artistic vibrancy – it was the place to be. Once unrivalled as the musical capital of the world, even Vienna was eclipsed by the glamour of the City of Light.
It was a time when the arts thrived on contact with each other: poets discussed music, musicians attended literary salons and artists illustrated musical works. The Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev surrounded himself with the greatest talents – Stravinsky, Debussy, Ravel and Picasso among them. His productions with the Ballets Russes mesmerized Parisian audiences with their exotic opulence. As the century progressed, a distinctly French musical nationalism emerged alongside the contributions of the Americans, the Spanish and the Russians who called the city their home.
The festival celebrates the musical life along with the movements, people and works that left their stamp on this most fascinating period in French cultural history.
Join us for orchestral concerts, recitals, lectures and more during the Paris Festival. |
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