Camac Blog
Autumn in Antibes
News
October 24, 2024
We have received these delightful photographic souvenirs of our festival in Antibes. We received the most wonderful welcome from the Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins, in their stunning building, kindly facilitated by director Noël Bianchini.
There was so much packed into these three short days, but seeing these beautiful pictures is the ideal opportunity to relive some highlights: at our exhibition, we launched our brand new lever harp LANCELOT. A totally new design, and the successor to our iconic Korrigan harp, this harp sets the standard to gut-strung lever harps.
Our exhibtion at Antibes © Cedric DE BRUYN
The opening night was preluded by a delightful flashmob harp ensemble in honour of our president Jakez François, and masterminded by professor of harp and our brilliant co-organiser, Magali Pyka de Coster.
Camac president Jakez François introduces Shamim Minoo © Cedric DE BRUYN
There followed a ravishing recital by Shamim Minoo who treated us to her enchanting interpretations of music by Tailleferre, Scarlatti, Posse and Fauré. The audience was touched by her musicianship and her integrity, exemplified by her detailed and mature interpretation.
Shamim Minoo giving her captivating opening night performance ©Cedric DE BRUYN
In the second half, the duo of Catrin Finch and Aoife Nì Bahrain brought the audience to its feet with their diverse and totally unique programming of original music as well as the Saint-Saëns Fantaisie- just to finish off. It was a source of pride and admiration for us to witness the force of Catrin’s mastery on our red Jubilee harp. Such was the quality and quantity of Catrin’s tone one audience member exclaimed “ You made the harp sound”.
Catrin Finch and Aoife Nì Bhriain ©Cedric DE BRUYN
Our second day began with a thrilling workshop from Adriano Sangineto; those who took part gained insights on playing new tunes by ear, on-the-spot arranging and rhythmic bass motifs in a class that also required quite a bit of singing and dancing! Adriano is the perfect workshop leader: he is inspirational, humorous, creative and absolutely tireless in his determination to transmit knowledge and skills to participants.
Young flashmob participants try our new Lancelot harp! © Cedric DE BRUYN
In the afternoon number of advanced pupils had the good fortune to have an in depth masterclass with Isabelle Perrin, who transmitted knowledge with her usual warmth, flair and extraordinary eye for detail; the characteristics for which she is an acknowledged master teacher on the global scene, and as a leading exponent of the French school of the harp.
Across the hall, we increased our learning with Patrick Barbier (Catholic University of Angers), who presented his new book: Marie Antoinette et la Musique. With humour, warmth and astonishing erudition, Patrick evoked the sweep of Marie Antoinette’s world, and the place of music (and the harp) within it.
Our Exhbition at Antibes © Cedric DE BRUYN
All of our concerts were completely packed, and the second evening was no exception: Duo Bisiad began proceedings with the rhythmical, hypnotic textures of their combined Celtic harps and voices. In the second part, Adriano and his wonderful ensemble brought us a piece of Italy with a surprising, heart-warming repertoire of Italian folk music which seemed to combine the medieval with life-affirming pop. In this concert which combined the ethereal and the ecstatic, the audience was totally spellbound.
After all that harping, we had to eat of course… and we were treated to a marvellous dinner at the restaurant Sophocle. But of course, we needed music, and Anna Boulic obliged us with a set of her Australian blues. By turns hilariarous, seductive and heart-rending. A truly special performer and a consummate professional.
While all the concerts were sold out, the final concert : around the world in 80 harpists outdid itself in being MORE than sold out, and having to be streamed in the projection room so that everyone could hear it; lucky that the conservatoire is thus equipped! 156 young participants from all the conservatoires of the region took place in a programme that took in traditional music, jazz, Indian raga, ABBA, and even an appearance from Beetle Juice!
Around the World in 80 Harpists ©Cedric DE BRUYN
We are deeply grateful for the participation of the harp classes of Antibes (Magali Pyka de Coster), Aix-en-Provence (Nora Lamoureux), Cannes (Cécile Maudire and Megan Methney), Grasse (Alessandra Magrini), Nice (Nathalie Lebrun and Agnès Bérard), Mandelieu (Mutsuko Uematsu), Marseille (Camille Roux), Monaco (Noëlle Fichou-Véra), Toulon (Elodie Adler), Tourettes (Emeline Chatelin), St-Laurent-du-Var and Villeneuve-Loubet (Aurélie Ellul Ricci) and St-Raphaël and Draguignan (Thaïs Duhautois).
Professor and co-organiser Magali Pyka de Coster ©Cedric DE BRUYN
The conservatoire ‘s harp professor Magali Pyka de Coster and her team of volunteers ensured precise and totally smooth running of all events. We e are so grateful to her and to the harp professors from a great number of regional conservatoires whose wonderful teaching and playing made the final concert such a resounding success.
All 156 young harpists, Duo Bisiad and Jakez François ©Cedric De Bruyn
Thank you to Mr. Bianchini, our incredible artists, to the generous public and above all to the tremendous Conservatoire de musique et d’art dramatique d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins. Thanks go to Mr De Bruyn and his communications team who have have kindly provided us with the the possibility to remember this formidable occasion with these wonderful photos.
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