MuSoc in Paris

“For the first time in its recent history the Music Society is going abroad – to Paris, the City of Light. Travelling by Eurostar, students will have the opportunity to visit such iconic musical venues as the Palais Garnier and Théâtre des Champs Élysées, as well as Parisian landmarks the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame cathedral. The trip will also include a visit to the brand new Philharmonie de Paris, where the Russian National Orchestra will be performing Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony and Second Piano Concerto.

“No trip to Paris would be complete without seeing the nineteenth century opera house, the Palais Garnier, whose auditorium is considered one of the most opulent in the world. The chandelier, made of bronze and crystal, weighs seven tonnes and dominates the ceiling of the theatre (at the expense of many of the cheaper seat’s view of the stage!) The Théâtre des Champs Élysées could scarcely be more different; designed to be shockingly plain in appearance it is perhaps most famous for hosting the premiere of Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du Printemps in the year of its construction. Today its orchestra in residence is the Orchestra National de Franc, and it also acts as a home from home for the Wiener Philharmoniker.

“Inaugurated in January this year, the Philharmonie de Paris completes the Cité de la Musique, a dedicated music centre which also features a musical instrument museum and education centre. Part of a major 1990s redevelopment project, the Cité de la Musique is an international institution which has been at the centre of multiple filming and recording projects by Cardiff University lecturers Prof Kenneth Hamilton and Dr Caroline Rae.

“On the final day of the trip, MuSoc will be taking a walking tour of the city from Notre-Dame cathedral to the Eiffel Tower (via the Musée d’Orsay). Completed in 1345, Notre Dame is a gothic architectural marvel and one of the most famous churches in the world. The Musée d’Orsay is Paris’s top-rated attraction on acclaimed travel website Trip Advisor, and houses many of the world’s finest pieces of impressionist art. To end the trip, Music Society members will be treated to the very grandest of photo opportunities – the Eiffel Tower at dusk.

“Join the Music Society on their trip for as little as £210 (payable in three deposits). To buy tickets and for more information, please visit http://www.cardiffstudents.com/events/6725/4817/”

Patrick Reardon-Morgan, President of the Music Society and a 3rd-year music student.

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