hidden gems

Production week at Flagey

After the successful tour through Belgium, the scores of Dixit Dominus lie neatly in the cupboard again, but the season 2021-22 for the Vlaams Radiokoor is far from over.

From this week on, our sopranos, altos, basses and tenors are again lubricating their vocal chords for an exceptional assignment. In preparation for such a special task, the choir first rehearses with a language coach. Alexandre Dratwicki works in the first phase of production planning on the correct pronunciation of the French words that date back to 1807. Then repetiteur Thomas Taquet and pianist Koenraad put this musical locomotive further on the right track towards Théâtre Champs-Elysées.

Paris is timeless

That track is Brussels-Midi station, where production manager Rik will be keeping a close eye on the clock next Saturday: otherwise he will leave for Paris Nord in the Thalys without us! By the way, it will be a croissant with lots of beurre for breakfast: upon arrival, conductor Christophe Rousset is already waiting for the ensemble for the first evening rehearsal. In the following days, he will prepare the performance down to the last detail so it well set to be recorded live.

On their well-earned rest day, you can find our choir members in the 8th arrondissement, where the performance will take place. It is undoubtedly the most glamorous district in Paris: with the Avenue des Champs-Elysées connecting the majestic Place de la Concorde with the monumental Arc de Triomphe.

Five hidden gems: we give you some of our choir members' favourite spots

Do you know where the hidden garden is?

Hushhhh, it's a secret... Almost walk down Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, and just before the busy intersection, allow yourself a glance to the left. At the monument 'La Fontaine du rêve du poète' you will notice a small green gate. Wander down the stone steps, past an arch and before you know it you are surrounded by wonderful flora. Sit yourself down on a bench, listen to one of our latest albums, C.P.E. Bachs Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, and relax.

The La Madeleine neighbourhood

During the breaks, many of us will relax in the green chairs spread around in Jardin des Tuileries. Others will visit their favourite work of art at the Louvre, or have a stroll around Opéra Garnier and might even enjoy that magnificent view of Paris from the roof terrace of Galeries Lafayette after a bit of shopping.

Café Le Nemours

Would you like to join us for lunch? We would love to see you on the terrace of Café Le Nemours. An excellent place for people-watching, reading a book and watching the world go by with a glass of chilled wine from a French region. Who knows, we might be sitting next to an actor or actress from the Comédie Française.

Théâtre Champs-Elysées

The theatre, co-designed by the Belgian architect Henry Van de Velde, has an extraordinary musical history. The opening poster featured Camille Saint-Saëns with his adaptation of Claude Debussy's La Mer and Paul Dukas' L'Apprenti Sorcier. Igor Stravinsky's ballet production Le Sacre du printemps, choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky, had its world premiere here in 1913 and caused a great deal of indignation. Les Ballets Russes performed their first ballet season there. The American dancer and entertainer Josephine Baker made her French debut here with La Revue Nègre.

In short, the theatre has to date welcomed many exceptional artists, conductors and orchestras of world renown.

On 22 June, you'll hear the most beautiful voices of the Vlaams Radiokoor at this epic theatre. This unforgettable evening will be recorded live. You shall read more about the release of this upcoming album in our magazine next season.