Over the course of three days, from December 10 to 12, more than forty concerts took place at the Palais Acropolis. Among the festival’s highlights, the audience will remember the virtuosity of the Berthollet sisters, who kicked off the event on Friday evening with their rendition of “The Four Seasons,” accompanied by the Cannes Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Orchestra. On Saturday, the heartfelt tribute by the Cannes PACA Orchestra to Serge Gainsbourg left a lasting impression. Families will also remember the Disney show performed by four exceptional singers, accompanied by the Nice Philharmonic Orchestra.
Beyond these highlights, the festival offered a rich and varied program featuring, among others, Thomas Leleu, known as “The Tuba Genius,” David Kadouch, the prodigy from Nice, the whistled concert by the Symphony of Birds, and the duo Vincent Peirani and François Salque, both celebrated at the victories of jazz and music. Staying true to its mission to present classical music in a different light, the festival featured the dance show “Flamenclasico” by the Tchanelas, the debut album “Via Havana” by American pianist Joachim Horsley, and Corsican songs by Cosicarpa. Additionally, the festival presented a local creation, “Electric Baroque,” by the Baroque Ensemble of Nice with bassist Merakhaazan.
Kids also had their share of concerts and activities under the watchful eye of Santa Claus. Companies offered shows and workshops for the little ones. “Tout neuf” by the company Minute Papillon, nominated as the “Best Youth Opera Production” at the 2018 Yam Awards by the Jeunesses Musicales Internationales, brightened the eyes of young Maralpins, starting at age 2. They were also thrilled and amazed by the musical tale “Peter and the Wolf” performed by Ensemble 7.
Visibly satisfied, Charles Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Département, already looked to the future: “This grand festival once again contributes to the prominence of the Alpes-Maritimes, far beyond its borders. I invite all the loyal followers of C’est pas classique, those who love classical music in all its forms and those who aspire to discover it, to join us next year on December 9, 10, and 11, 2022!”
