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Pauline Viardot
Accomplished musician, woman of letters, and inspirer of many artists, Pauline Viardot occupies a singular place in the cultural history of the 19th century. Between music, correspondence, and theatrical evocation, this show paints a sensitive portrait of a free creator whose influence radiates well beyond the lyrical stage.
Conservatoire Municipal Nadia et Lili Boulanger (Paris 9th)
Part of the Nadia and Lili Boulanger Conservatory Events programme
About
Through concerts, educational projects, and musical interventions, we share the conviction that music is a precious bond, especially for patients, by bringing listening, comfort, and moments of beauty into the heart of the care journey.
A musical show centered on the personality of Pauline Viardot, a major singer and composer of the 19th century, through her roles, her compositions, and her correspondence.
Born in 1821 into an illustrious family of musicians, Pauline Viardot established herself as one of the great figures of European musical and artistic life in the 19th century. An internationally renowned mezzo-soprano, pianist, and composer, she led an exceptional career on the greatest stages of Europe.
Close to Frédéric Chopin, Hector Berlioz, Charles Gounod, Camille Saint-Saëns, and even George Sand, she made her Parisian salon a privileged place for meetings, creation, and transmission, where musicians, writers, and artists of her time crossed paths.
But Pauline Viardot was not just an interpreter: she also composed numerous works, including art songs, piano pieces, and lyrical works, testifying to remarkable talent and sensitivity.
Her relationship with literature, visible in her correspondence and artistic choices, reveals a free and committed personality at the crossroads of music, poetry, and thought. Through her roles, compositions, and writings, this show proposes to rediscover an exceptional artist whose work continues to inspire and resonate today.
Musical direction: Yves Coudray
Piano accompaniment: Léonid Karev
Our take on this event
Step into the vibrant world of Pauline Viardot, a true icon of the 19th century whose private salon once brought the greatest minds of Europe together. Through her own stirring compositions and legendary personal journey, this performance captures the brilliance of an artist who believed deeply in the healing power of melody.
The Conservatoire Municipal Nadia et Lili Boulanger hosts a tribute to Pauline Viardot on June 11 and 12, 2027. This musical performance explores the legacy of the prominent 19th-century mezzo-soprano, pianist, and composer. With musical direction by Yves Coudray and piano accompaniment by Léonid Karev, the show highlights her compositions, theatrical roles, and insightful correspondence. This free event in the 9th arrondissement offers an intimate opportunity to rediscover an artist who stood at the crossroads of music and literature. Join us at the conservatory to experience a program that bridges history and artistic beauty, accessible to all music enthusiasts.
Explore the life and work of Pauline Viardot during two special performances at the Conservatoire Municipal Nadia et Lili Boulanger. This musical journey celebrates the career of the internationally renowned mezzo-soprano who transformed her Parisian salon into a creative hub for artists, writers, and musicians such as George Sand, Hector Berlioz, and Camille Saint-Saëns. Musical direction is provided by Yves Coudray, accompanied on piano by Léonid Karev.
The show presents a selection of Viardot's melodies, piano pieces, and operatic works, while also drawing from her personal correspondence to reveal a free-spirited and committed artist. The performance aims to shed light on her remarkable talent and her lasting influence on the musical landscape of the 19th century.
Attend this free event on Friday, June 11, 2027, from 19:00 to 20:30, or on Saturday, June 12, 2027, from 15:30 to 17:00. The venue is located at 17 Rue de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris.
