Three days of free and quality concerts aimed at more than 50,000 expected spectators. The annual event brings joy and attempts to renew the latent enthusiasm of the people of Nice for classical music. More than 100 concerts, exhibitions, anthology pieces, young talents, and prestigious headliners: the festival *C’est pas classique* retains the ingredients of a successful recipe.
The enthusiasm is already palpable among the employees of the Acropolis. And with good reason, the event has taken on unimaginable proportions since its launch in 2005 by the General Council of Alpes-Maritimes. Also, in recent days, one could see the large advertising banners with musical clefs adorning the tramway’s bodywork. It’s all about pulling out all the stops. The entirely free event is a complete success. Already, the open house this morning, as well as last Wednesday’s dress rehearsal of the opera *Macbeth*, took place in front of a full house.
### For all tastes
The 2008 edition of *C’est pas classique* has the merit of presenting a rich and varied program. Each day, from 1:30 p.m. to midnight, the 12 halls of the Acropolis Palace will successively host symphonic concerts, piano master classes, practical workshops, and musical tales. But also, more surprisingly, improvisation matches and DJ contests. Interactive and fun shows whose mission is, on the one hand, to pique the curiosity of the general public, and on the other, to reconcile beginners with a musical style usually said to be most challenging to approach.
“It’s the eternal problem with classical music these days. It must constantly be updated if we don’t want it to end up forgotten.” Franck Dibari is preparing for the CAPES music exam this year. He will showcase his talents as a pianist on Saturday during the Cantatas workshop organized by the University Vocal Ensemble of Nice. A discovery for all audiences of J.S. Bach’s chorales without sheet music. “The goal is to decipher Bach’s music by bringing together professionals and amateurs. Proving that it’s not as complex an art as one might think.”
### Free Music
The free aspect of the shows remains an important factor in the event. Besides the blending of cultures, *C’est pas classique* takes care of the main stakeholders. The enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the genre will be the first to be delighted by this initiative, as concert tickets are usually too expensive. Nevertheless, this does not prevent the festival from attracting the biggest names. On this occasion, the record label *Virgin Classics* (the record company of Nathalie Dessay) will celebrate its 20th anniversary, accompanied by famous artists such as Diana Damrau, Philippe Jaroussky, Max Emmanuel Cencic, David Fray, Piotr Anderszewski, and Gautier Capuçon.
Also not to be missed in the lineup of major evenings is the *Video Games Symphony*. A concert featuring original soundtracks from the video games *Obscure 2* and *Alone in the Dark* on PlayStation, composed by Olivier De Rivière, a former student of the Nice conservatory. A first for the Côte d’Azur at the highlight of the festival. Yet, there is a downside, probably the price of success. Long queues must be faced for each performance. Staying patient so that classical music continues to soothe the soul.
