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All about love
The French Consulate, Karachi recently paid a befitting tribute in the form of an opera, to the city of Karachi as their contribution to the Hamara Karachi celebrations. A rare treat for this part of the world, it was not surprising that the crème de la crème of Karachi turned up in large numbers to witness the event, in spite of the wedding and party seasons being in full swing.
For the occasion, the internationally acclaimed opera group Chants De Gronne comprising baritone Jean-Francoise Gardeil (the proud recipient of the much coveted music award, Grand Prix de I’Academie Charles Gros), Veronique Guin (soprano), Pierre Espiaut (tenor) and Fabien Prou (pianist) had been especially flown in to enthrall the guests. With the opera’s theme based on love, be it in the form of homage for a happening city like Paris with its romantic ambience and majestic sites, or a yearning for someone special, the songs were full of passion and verve. In fact, the four-member ensemble’s scintillating interpretations of the works of the great masters left the audience wanting for more.
To add a personal touch — and much to the delight of all present — the consul general of France, Pierre Seillan, after inviting the audience to waltz to the operettas and eliciting no response, gracefully mounted the stage accompanied by his wife and merrily danced to the evocative music. The couple was an epitome of graciousness and hospitality, personally greeting every guest as they arrived at or departed from the venue
Among the famous operettas performed were La Vie Parisienne by Jacques Offenbach — a tribute to Paris, as the name suggests and featuring all three singers as well — La Veuve Joyeuse by Franz Lehar; Ciboulette by Reynaldo Hahn; Veronique by Andre Messager; Le Roi d’Ys by Edouard Lalo and Les Saltimbanques by Louis Ganne. The fact that all three vocalists not only sang “with full-throated ease,” to quote Keats but also performed their various roles with aplomb, made the evening all the more enjoyable. Famous French songs highlighting different aspects of Parisian life were also presented.
To add a personal touch — and much to the delight of all present — the consul general of France, Pierre Seillan, after inviting the audience to waltz to the operettas and eliciting no response, gracefully mounted the stage accompanied by his wife and merrily danced to the evocative music. The couple was an epitome of graciousness and hospitality, personally greeting every guest as they arrived at or departed from the venue.
Music indeed has no boundaries and the truth of this statement was driven home that evening as the audience, comprising largely those unfamiliar with French, gave the performers a spontaneous standing ovation. What’s more, not a single mobile phone rang throughout the performance — perhaps an even greater acknowledgement of the immense appreciation by the guests.
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