The Philharmonic Orchestra went out to meet the public. The result? More than 500 people (sitting and standing) gathered on the Parvis of the South Station to listen to good music.
An open-air concert had already been held in the gardens of the Promenade du Paillon (in a more appropriate setting), but this street music experience was appreciated by an audience that was perhaps uneducated but curious.
Indeed, the conditions for the musicians were far from ideal with the background noise of the tram, the barking of man’s faithful friends, the cries of small children, and the voices of those who need to communicate at all hours.
But finally, a little hour listening to Handel and other composers was well worth the trip.
We were far from the processions of royal boats descending the majestic course of the Thames illuminated by torches, and Philippe Auguin’s performance lacked the solemnity that Handel gave to his music – but after all, we shouldn’t dream too much either.
There were no victorious battles to celebrate, nor any “royals” to rejoice, just simple spectators attracted by music which, in all likelihood, is not usually familiar to their ears.
A fine initiative that should be repeated under more favorable conditions and addressed to younger generations who desperately lack the sensitivity that only certain music can convey.
