One year before the Francophonie Games, the City of Nice launches the countdown with the recognized athlete Christophe Lemaitre, the sports patron of these Games, by its side. Chosen to represent France and organize the Francophonie Games, the capital of the French Riviera intends to take on the challenge of the largest sporting and cultural event in the French-speaking world. This Wednesday, September 5, the countdown will be started.
At 6 p.m. at the Prefectural Palace, the organizational setup for the Games will be presented to the active members of the Nice associative fabric. Finally, at 8:30 p.m., a concert evening performed by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of its Musical Director Philippe Auguin will be offered at Place Pierre Gautier, Cours Saleya, in Old Nice.
At 4:30 p.m. – A sports patron, symbol of excellence, takes to the track. Quintuple European champion, bronze medalist at the World Championships in 2011, and double Olympic finalist in London, Christophe Lemaitre holds the French records for the 100m and 200m. Sports patron of the upcoming Francophonie Games, he will take a lap at the Charles Ehrmann stadium with young athletes from the French Riviera before heading to the Prefecture Palace.
At 6 p.m. – The 7th edition of the Francophonie Games is underway – Prefectural Palace
The City of Nice will represent France and host the next Francophonie Games from September 6 to 15, 2013. A major sporting and cultural event in the French-speaking world, nearly 51 out of 75 countries have confirmed their participation. Mixing art and sport, these Games promote the values of solidarity, diversity, and excellence. A year before the festivities, Christian Estrosi, as President of the National Committee of the Games, will present the organizational setup to the leaders of sports clubs and cultural associations who will play a central role in the preparation and execution of the competitions.
At 8:30 p.m. – Photocall and concert by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra – Place Pierre Gautier
A brief photocall will be organized on stage before the start of the concert to illustrate the launch of these Games: Christian Estrosi alongside Christophe Lemaitre representing sport and Philippe Auguin, culture.
The joyful and lively works proposed, including Light Cavalry by Franz von Suppé, Carmen by Georges Bizet, and Souvenir de Nice by Johann Strauss, among others, will be performed alongside composers Maurice Ravel, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Jacques Offenbach. In the open air, nearly 800 seats will be offered to the general public (within the limit of available seating) at 8:30 p.m. at Place Pierre Gautier.
The Nice orchestra, recognized as a top-tier musical ensemble, will be led by its Musical Director Philippe Auguin.
Concert program:
1 Franz von Suppé: Light Cavalry, overture
2 Johann Strauss II: Souvenirs de Nice, Waltz opus 200
3 Georges Bizet – Carmen
• Prelude to the first act
• Interlude to the second act
• Interlude to the third act
The Arlesian: Farandole
4 Jacques Offenbach / Manuel Rosenthal: Gaîté Parisienne, excerpts
5 Ottorino Respighi: Pines of Rome
• I pini della Villa Borghese
“The Pines of the Villa Borghese: depicting children’s games in the Villa Borghese gardens”
• Pini presso una catacomba
“Pines near a catacomb: evoking the chants of early Christians”
• Pini del Gianicolo
“Night on the Janiculum: rustling in the foliage of great pines and the nightingale’s song in the forest”
• I pini della Via Appia
“On the cobblestones of the Appian Way, at night, like a vision emerging from a dream, the Roman legions seem to march triumphantly once again”
6 Maurice Ravel: Boléro
7 Encore
• Franz Lehár: The Merry Widow
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Russian Dance from The Nutcracker
• Johann Strauss: Thunder and Lightning, fast polka
• Jacques Offenbach: Can-can
