ISLAMABAD, Jan 17: Internationally-acclaimed French opera group ‘Chants De Gronne’ entertained a select audience at the residence of French ambassador to Pakistan Regis de Belenet on Tuesday night.

Over an hour’s performance by leading members of the opera group fascinated the audience that comprised diplomats and officials of the Foreign Office.

The performance was organised by the cultural section of the French embassy in connection with its efforts to promote cultural relations between France and Pakistan.

The group presented famous opera songs like ‘La vie Parisenne’ by Jacques Offenbach, ‘Veronique’ by Andre Messager, ‘La Veuve Joyeuse’ by Franz Lehar and other famous numbers, glorifying different aspects and characteristics of Paris and its life.

The group, comprising Frederique Palle, Veronique Guin, Pierre Espiaut, Jean-Francois Gardeil and Fabien Prou, captivated the audience with their performance despite the fact that majority of those present there had no knowledge of French language.

Jean Francois Gardeil, one of the important members of the opera, is a recipient of the much coveted music award ‘Grand Prix de l’Academie Charles Gros’ and member of the jury of the Geneva conservatory. He has performed in more than 30 countries.

Fabien Prou was the star of the night as he was on the piano, the only musical instrument played during the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Regis de Belenet and cultural counsellor of the French embassy Jean-Paul Bouliou said the French embassy would continue to organise such programmes to promote bilateral relations in the cultural field.—APP