You produce the show “Mozart, the Rock Opera.” What is its concept?
The concept is to tell the life of Mozart, because few people know that his life was as brilliant as his work. He experienced everything: rebellion against his father, terrible romantic disappointment, and a rival who did everything to prevent his success. We saw a part of his life in the masterpiece film “Amadeus” by Milos Forman. I tell the story of Mozart with the twist that it is a rock opera, meaning that we mix pop-rock songs like “Tatoue-moi,” which is currently on the radio, with instrumental comedy scenes set to live music by Mozart performed by musicians. It is going to be a grand spectacle with costumes and 18th-century settings. The thrilling life of Mozart is presented in a show, but with the particularity that Mozart was a rebel, so it will incorporate a lot of humor, madness, and rebellion with this extraordinary character.
How did you come up with the idea to create this show?
I truly fell in love with Mozart when I was twenty years old, but until now I was not ready since it was the most complex of my shows. I first did “The Ten Commandments,” “The Sun King,” and now I feel mature enough to do it.
First date in Paris, September 22, 2009, at the Palais des Sports, is a tour planned in France?
Yes, we will be in Nice, soon. Nice has brought us luck; “The Ten Commandments,” “The Sun King,” these were all a great success here, and so of course we’ll be here. I believe the date is already scheduled, it will be in early March 2009.
We attended a press conference together for a major mobile phone brand, what are your ties with the operator?
SFR is truly a lucky charm! I have always believed early in the power of mobile. When we did “The Ten Commandments,” they were our partner, and we communicated a lot through this medium which is strongest among young people and very connected to music. So obviously when we talk about a rock opera about Mozart, SFR is the natural customer. Mobile has grown immensely and today it is a media in its own right.
After Mozart, the journey continues… Do you have other projects?
I have a lovely project coming up in February, it’s a children’s musical called “Dothy and The Wizard of Oz” at the Grand Rex in Paris, then Mozart in September. After that, I’m stopping; I’m tired, it’s too much! I’m setting up two shows and after that, I’ll stop! But Mozart will remain my ultimate show if I succeed. I hope it won’t be my requiem, that I won’t die before!
