Organized by Fever, candlelight concerts made their appearance in Nice two years ago. This summer promises yet another varied lineup, notably in an iconic venue: the Observatory of the Côte d’Azur. We tested this experience for you.
The experience begins even before you sit down and hear the first notes of the piano. Reaching the Observatory is already an experience in itself, even before discovering the breathtaking view the site offers over Nice, from the airport to its Castle Hill. The rendezvous is set for 7:30 PM for a candlelight concert paying tribute to Ludovico Einaudi. A remarkable panorama over the azure capital welcomes us under the golden light of the setting sun.
We quickly transition from the warmth of the sun to that of the 4,000 faux candles. Their glow creates an intimate atmosphere inside the Observatory. The impressive venue, with its prestigious dome and astronomical telescope, becomes a time capsule. The artist for the evening is pianist Sydney Poma Amsellem. With just the right amount of explanation between pieces, she guides the audience to better understand the scope, commitment, and universality of the artist’s work.
A multi-sensory experience…
Ludovico Einaudi’s music is not just melancholic. Under the pianist’s fingers, we understand that it is filled with many other emotions: nostalgia, ambition, anger, joy. The audience is transported. Tears can even be heard in the crowd as the most famous melodies follow one another: Fly, Nuvole Bianche, Primavera…
Then it’s the turn of Experience, and here it’s the highlight of the show. The mechanism is triggered. The dome partially opens to a blue sky, not yet filled with stars, and rotates with the sound of rails. The “wow” effect is still present. The 18-meter-long telescope also begins to move.
… that democratizes classical music
More than 3 million people have attended the concerts since its launch. We can understand why. The promise is kept; it is not just a concert but a successful multi-sensory experience. Through this unique formula, classical music speaks broadly to the general public.
From April 29 until November, the Observatory will host candlelight concerts. The Candlelight concept that appeared in 2019 in Madrid aims to democratize classical music for a younger audience through an original, intimate yet quality approach. It’s a winning bet for the company, as 70% of the audience is under 40 years old, reveals Ludivine Bailly-Beresnikoff, manager and project leader of the French concerts.
The summer lineup
Three dates are already available for mid-June. On June 10, 11, and 12, the tunes of Chopin, Queen, and Ludovico Einaudi will resonate under the dome of the Observatory. An architecture signed by Gustave Eiffel and Charles Garnier, renowned for its remarkable acoustics.
New programs have just been unveiled. If you are fans of Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings, the Anillos y Dragones lineup is made for you. For classical music enthusiasts or the curious, the composer Ennio Morricone will be honored on July 15 and 16. July will also pay tribute to Pink Floyd and once again to the Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi.
This summer, outdoor concerts are also planned. The Temple of Love in the Parc Chambrun will host a tribute to the film composer Hans Zimmer and the concert themed Anillos y Dragones.
