The various partnerships initiated by the Lycée Français de New York with several major musical New York institutions constitute a key element in the music program at the Secondary. It allows our students to take advantage of the exceptional cultural resources of our city. Here are some of the musical activities that have taken place recently.
Double-bassist Rémy Yulzari, during the classical concert on February 24, 2015. Click here to see more concerts at the LFNY.
On February 24th, as part of the musical season proposed by the Cultural Center, double-bassist Rémy Yulzari and pianist/composer Philip Lasser (who is a parent at the Lycée) have offered us an unforgettable concert where the double bass was the unexpected but convincing interpreter of a vocal repertoire made up of French songs from the Middle Ages to today. On that same day, just a few hours before the actual performance, Rémy Yulzari came to visit our students from the Y10 music option for an informal exchange and presentation of this too-often neglected instrument as well as a conversation about what being a professional musician means in 2015.
The following week, on March 4th, our Y6 students attended a Young People’s Concerts with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. This year’s theme: Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and the accompanying music of Felix Mendelssohn. Once again, this musical encounter cleverly combined literature, theater and music and also included the premiere of three orchestral works especially composed for the occasion by young students aged 9 to 13, which made a profound impact on our children.
The poster of Manon, by Jules Massenet, at the Metropolitan Opera.
The next day, all the music option classes (35 students altogether) attended the final dress rehearsal at the Metropolitan Opera of Jules Massenet’s Manon, directed by Laurent Pelly and featuring two of the most sought-after singers of our time: Diane Damrau in the title role and Vittorio Grigolo. The press unanimously hailed this production simply as one of the highlights of the New York musical season. Our students were extremely impressed by this rendition of one of French opera’s purest jewels.
March 12th marked the day of our annual Spring Concert at the Lycée for Y9 to Y12 students. Less publicized than the Winter Concert which features a large number of students from the Primary, this performance nonetheless emphasizes the brilliant musical talents at the High School level. Pianists, guitarists, cellists, and singers, among others, either as soloists or in groups, performed on the stage of our auditorium and offered us some moments of pure magic. What a pity that these performances were attended by such a small crowd! Practicing a musical instrument on a daily basis, and perfecting one’s art, while pursuing the academic curriculum at the Lycée is a challenge in itself which deserved to be shared with the largest possible audience.
Students performing on the stage of the LFNY auditorium during the annual Spring Concert.
On March 17th, students from the music option in Y10 and 11 had the opportunity to meet, during the music class, and thanks to our partnership with Young Concerts Artists, one of the three 2015 winners of this prestigious competition: French clarinetist Raphael Severe. Hardly 25 years old, this brilliant musician dazzled our students with his outstanding technique, his profound musicality, but also his charming personality, humility, and pertinence. Once again, this informal dialogue, imbued with warmth, simplicity and realism happened to be particularly inspiring and informative.
Finally, on March 20th, one Y9 class attended a concert with the New York Philharmonic conducted by Alan Gilbert at Avery Fisher Hall and featuring a program of works by Debussy, Ravel, Strauss but also the NY premiere of an orchestral work by Esa Pekka Salonen, who was in attendance.
These opportunities serve as a catalyst to debate and reflect on the musical profession and the role of the musician in our society but also constitute a true source of inspiration and stimulus for our students. The memory of these concerts and musical encounters remain deeply engraved in our minds as testimonies of live music, indispensable to the growth and culture of our future student citizens.
About the Author :
Rémy Loumbrozo has been a music teacher at the LFNY since 1980. A Juilliard graduate, this gifted pianist pursues an active performing and teaching career. Remy has appeared in recitals and with orchestras in major concert halls across Europe, North America and Asia.