Photo : Ecole Cortot
Animalia Concert: The Enchanted Birds - Hôtel de la Marine
Step into a sanctuary of music where classical virtuosity meets the whimsical sounds of the animal kingdom. This intimate performance brings to life centuries of bird-inspired compositions in one of the city's most majestic settings. Treat your ears to an enchanting escape that promises to be both refreshing and sophisticated.
Hôtel de la Marine (Paris 8th)
About
On November 5, 2026, the Hôtel de la Marine hosts Animalia: The Enchanted Birds, a concert exploring the animal kingdom through classical music. Created in partnership with the École normale de Musique de Paris – Alfred Cortot, this performance complements the Animalia exhibition of the Al Thani Collection. Soprano Catherine Moss, baritone Kitae Song, and pianist Samuel Bach will perform a selection of works by Ravel, Debussy, and Mozart for one hour. The concert is open to audiences aged 11 and up. Tickets are priced at 9 € for adults, with free entry available for visitors under 18.
Presentation
Developed with the École normale de Musique de Paris – Alfred Cortot, this concert is part of the "Animals in Music" series, designed in echo of the exhibition "Animalia. A Bestiary from the Al Thani Collection".
For centuries, animals have fueled the imagination of composers. Their songs, movements, evocative power, or symbolic dimension inspire works of great richness, blending poetry, fantasy, and virtuosity.
The first concert of this series will be dedicated to the voice and the way composers have brought the animal world to life in music through singing.
Featuring:
- Catherine Moss, Soprano
- Kitae Song, Baritone
- Samuel Bach, Piano
Program
"The Enchanted Birds"
Catherine Moss, soprano
Kitae Song, baritone
Samuel Bach, piano
Liza Lehmann (1862–1918)
Bird Songs
The Woodpigeon
The Starling
The Yellowhammer
The Wren
The Owl
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937)
Histoires naturelles
The Peacock
The Cricket
The Swan
The Kingfisher
The Guinea fowl
Claude Debussy (1862–1918)
Préludes, Book II — excerpts
Ondine
Les Fées sont d’exquises danseuses (Fairies are exquisite dancers)
Pauline Viardot (1821–1910)
The Titmouse
The Little Bird, after Chopin
Large White Birds
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
"Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja" — Papageno's aria
Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K. 620
"Pa-pa-pa-pa… Papageno!" — Papageno and Papagena's duet
Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K. 620
"Là ci darem la mano" — Don Giovanni and Zerlina's duet
Don Giovanni, K. 527
Our take on this event
The Hôtel de la Marine in Paris’ 8th arrondissement presents a unique musical evening centered on the avian and animal themes that have long influenced classical composers. Titled The Enchanted Birds, this event is the first in the series The Animals in Music, designed to echo the Al Thani Collection's Animalia exhibition.
The performance features soprano Catherine Moss, baritone Kitae Song, and pianist Samuel Bach. The program showcases a rich variety of works, ranging from Liza Lehmann’s Bird Songs and Maurice Ravel’s Histoires naturelles to pieces by Claude Debussy, Pauline Viardot, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, including iconic selections from The Magic Flute. The concert takes place on November 5, 2026, from 20:00 to 21:00.
Entry is open to those aged 11 and older. Tickets cost 9 € per adult, while individuals under 18 years of age can attend free of charge. This performance offers an immersive experience, blending artistic vocal mastery with the thematic context of the venue’s current exhibition.
