The University Choir of the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis is giving three concerts under the direction of Bertrand Dutour de Salvert, a professor at the Nice Conservatory. These concerts will take place on May 31 at the Théâtre du Château de Valrose, Campus Valrose, Nice, at 8 PM; on June 1 at the Chapelle du St Suaire, Cours Saleya Nice, at 8 PM; and on June 2 at the St Paul Church, Avenue de Pessicart, Nice, at 3:30 PM. At St Suaire and St Paul, the renowned organist Olivier Willemin (Sainte Rosalie, Paris) will accompany the choir on the organ and perform pieces by Fauré and Saint-Saëns.
The University Choir is comprised of students from the choral singing workshop created in October 1999 by the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis’ Directorate of Culture. The choir consists of students and staff from all campuses. This workshop has been working, since its inception, under the direction of Bertrand Dutour de Salvert, professor of choral singing and ensemble music at the National Conservatory in Regional Outreach.
The choir includes 30 to 50 singers. The University traditionally hosts a concert in the historic theater of Valrose. Other concerts are organized in various cultural or religious institutions in Nice and the department starting from May.
A word from the president, Mari-Luz Hernandes-Nocaise: “An original aspect of the choir is the participation of foreign students and music-loving researchers residing in Nice. In previous years, we have had choristers from all over Europe, as well as from more distant origins (Americas, Japan). We highly value this welcoming role, which allows these visitors to discover different aspects of life in France through the relationships formed during our collaborative work. They become ambassadors of our university and of Nice when they return to their home countries.
This year, the program is dedicated to Italian music and includes a first a cappella part (16th-century madrigals), then a section of sacred music: two Magnificats with orchestral accompaniment, organ, and soloists: Vivaldi’s Magnificat and Pergolesi’s Magnificat.”
