Photo : Michael Nguyen
Pieces of Life
The musical show by pianist Caroline Sageman!
Conservatoire municipal Hector Berlioz (Paris 10th)
Part of the Hector Berlioz Conservatory Cultural Season programme
About
With Les Automnales, the Hector Berlioz Conservatory inaugurates a new cultural event that will mark the beginning of every season, from September to November. True to its vocation, the conservatory reaffirms its role as a place for life, creation, and artistic dissemination, open to all.
Because culture is meant to be shared, all events are offered free of charge, subject to availability.
The new creation by Caroline Sageman!
Swept away into a career as an international pianist from a very young age, Caroline Sageman did not have a childhood like others. Surrounded by adults and immense composers, it took her a long time to realize herself personally. In an environment where everything must be perfect, where nothing must be out of place, where constant pressure reigns supreme, she sometimes made choices against the grain after winning prestigious awards. Behind the virtuosity lie torments that seem insurmountable. What do we do with the child left behind? How do we find ourselves when we have followed the current our whole lives? Caroline Sageman, also nicknamed "The Lioness of the French piano" in reference to her passion on stage, delivers here a narrative that does not complain but sheds light on the backstage of an immaculate world, that of concert pianists where the race for perfection is permanent. Between extravagance and sensitivity, she deploys irresistible anecdotes amidst the notes of her piano, in a dizzying way, taking the audience into the vortex of the greatest works in the repertoire. Yet, alongside Schubert, Liszt, and her metaphorical lover, Chopin, one can tip at any moment into the youyous of Enrico Macias, cross paths with Pandi Panda by Chantal Goya, and find oneself singing y a pas moyen Jaja by Aya Nakamura.
Pieces of Life evokes an atypical woman's destiny, made of internal struggle and emancipation, where encounters are always decisive. It was when she met the director and author Florient Jousse that she proposed he formalize this project that had been close to her heart for many years. Accustomed to musical shows, he wrote a text born from their hours of interviews. The theatrical concert was created on March 28, 2026, at La Cité des Arts in La Réunion, in front of a standing room audience at the bows, both moved and admiring of this decidedly singular career.
Our take on this event
Forget everything you know about the stiff world of professional piano and step into a show that defies all conventions. This musical memoir reveals the reality behind the perfectionist facade, shifting effortlessly from masterful classical compositions to unexpected pop anthems. It is a bold, raw, and witty portrait of an artist finding her own voice outside the ivory tower of high culture.
On Monday, November 16, 2026, the Conservatoire municipal Hector Berlioz presents Morceaux de vie, a unique stage performance by pianist Caroline Sageman. This musical and theatrical event explores the personal journey of an international concert performer, balancing the technical demands of classical masterpieces with a raw, honest narrative about identity. Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of music ranging from Liszt to modern pop. The event is free of charge and suitable for ages 12 and up. Please note that you must arrive 15 minutes before the 19:30 start time to secure your seat, as capacity is limited.
Join us on November 16, 2026, at the Conservatoire municipal Hector Berlioz in Paris's 10th arrondissement for an intimate performance starting at 19:30 and concluding at 21:00. This event is part of Les Automnales, a new cultural program highlighting the conservatory as a vibrant space for artistic exchange.
Morceaux de vie features pianist Caroline Sageman, known for her intense stage presence, in a show directed by Florient Jousse. The performance delves into the pressures of the high-stakes classical music world, contrasting the rigidity of the concert hall with personal anecdotes. The musical program is equally diverse, weaving together works by Schubert, Liszt, and Chopin alongside unexpected pop culture references.
Entry to this performance is free, subject to seat availability. Guests are kindly requested to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled 19:30 start to ensure a smooth entry. Designed for audiences aged 12 and older, this show invites you to discover the woman behind the virtuoso in a deeply personal and artistic exploration of her career.
