Sequins, lights, elegance… but we digress. While at first glance this event may seem covered in glitter, behind the embellishment lies a goal: the aim of donating the entirety of the evening’s proceeds to an association.
On the eve of the Gala de la Femme, we met the woman behind this annual organization: Monique Peyrat.
Nice-Premium: On October 5th, the Gala de la Femme will grace the stage of the Opéra de Nice for the 11th year. Are you putting together a program as exquisite as last year’s?
Monique Peyrat: Every program at the Opéra de Nice reflects the personality of the woman of the year. This year, it’s Madame Augier, so it will inevitably revolve around what made the heyday of the Hôtel Negresco. Her husband, Paul Augier, wrote a book, “When the Grand Dukes Waltzed in Nice.” The Opera’s ballet will create a piece around the Belle Époque. There will be the philharmonic orchestra and the muses we decorated this morning. It will conclude with an act from Puccini’s La Bohème. Then a tribute will be paid to Jeanne Augier, who will receive the Arman de la Femme award. This year is a special first because Madame Arman herself will present it. She’s coming especially from the United States.
N-P: How was the choice of this year’s honoree made?
M.P.: The idea for the woman of the year is someone who has a connection to Nice. Among the ten women, we’ve always chosen someone who has done something for Nice. Last year, it was Madame Bernadette Chirac because the Pièces Jaunes had its stopover in Nice that year. It was the city most involved, and we raised a substantial amount of money. Madame Chirac agreed to support all the CHU projects. We also honored Madame Pompidou because we will have the Alzheimer’s Institute in Nice. And this year, it’s Madame Augier. She is an iconic figure in the city. The Hôtel Negresco is known worldwide.
N-P: Last year, we met at this gala, and we published our interview on our site. Following this interview, there were comments, including one in particular that I noted: “Why not pay tribute to the one who originally had the idea?”
M.P.: Me (laughs). That’s very kind. I’m very touched, but since I’m the one who chooses the woman of the year, I can’t choose myself (laughs). Maybe one day, I won’t be in charge of the Gala de la Femme…
N-P: So, it will be a unique evening for the audience on Friday?
M.P.: Yes, yes. This evening also has a charitable purpose. The proceeds of the evening will go this time to an association called “Enfant et Santé” Côte d’Azur-Corse, which specializes in clinical research for the fight against cancer and leukemia, with funds being used to purchase specific equipment for Dr. Nicolas Sirvent’s department at Archet II. A portion of the funds will also be donated to a foundation created by Madame Augier, “Human and Animal Misery.”
N-P: Last year, you boldly introduced Hip Hop to the opera, which I must say was rather well-received. Hip hop in 2007 too?
M.P.: No, we’re reinventing ourselves, and it doesn’t quite align with the Negresco.
N-P: Last year, Jean-Claude Brialy participated in the Gala de la Femme. Will a personality from the cinema world be expected this year?
M.P.: No, we had Jean-Claude Brialy because he was a close friend of Madame Chirac, and indeed, she was the one who brought him. But, yes, we might indeed bring a personality.
N-P: The Gala de la Femme is…
M.P.: It’s on October 5th, and ticket prices start at 8 euros and go up to 75 euros. Everyone can attend. The Gala de la Femme isn’t reserved for the privileged.
N-P: Besides the Gala de la Femme, does your association, Nice-Presence, have other projects?
M.P.: Nice-Presence is mainly focused on helping underprivileged children and the elderly. This year for Christmas, we would like to pay tribute to the visually impaired. There is an amazing device called “Top-Braille,” which we wish to offer to blind people. Madame Augier gave me this idea. There’s also Christmas for the little children, and then the Epiphany cake for the seniors, which we do every year.
