Le Relais Peiresc and the Toulon Navy Jazz Band – Concert Under the Stars

 

This year’s end-of-year concert for the benefit of the members, volunteers, professors and students at Le Relais Peiresc (the largest cultural center in Toulon), was fabulous.  Music was provided by the Toulon Navy Jazz band, and the conductor was, himself an accomplished musician.

The band was very spiffy in their dress whites, and they put on a fantastic performance – if you’re in the area this year, and you get the opportunity to hear them, you’ll be glad you did!  The musicians can play together as a symphony orchestra, or break out into different groups, such as this one.  They have performed all over the world, and according to one of the band members I interviewed after the concert, they practice for anywhere from three to six hours a day – longer when they’re getting ready for a performance.  (And speaking of orchestra, Alain and I have been invited to a special concert next Friday, where some of these same musicians will be performing again onboard the largest aircraft carrier in France, the Charles De Gaulle – more on that later… And I promise to take my camera and share lots of photos with you!)

 

 

 

There were about 250 people in attendance this year, and it looked as if everyone had a wonderful time – I know I did!

M. Koubbi (the Principal of Le College Peiresc and the Head of the Board of Directors for Le Relais Peiresc got things started with a welcoming speech.  (The proceeds of the concert this year went to “Les Petits Frere des Pauvres” – the Little Brothers of the Poor.)  Their Director also gave a speech, thanking everyone for their support.

The band performed a variety of musical pieces – some of it I knew, and some was completely new to me, so I had the pleasure of discovering new music, which is always a treat – especially at my age!

Judging from the comments of the spectators as they were leaving the concert, it was a big hit with them too!

 

 

 

In addition to the musical concert at the end of the year, Le Relais Peiresc also is a patron of the arts – offering a nice mix between newer, lesser-well-known artists (who often have a more difficult time getting their first showing) and those whose work already has a loyal following.

And it displays the work of its own students too, at an end of the year exhibition for those students who took art, design, painting, pottery, Chinese caligraphy, or any of the other art type classes available. Summer classes begin on July 2nd, and run for two weeks.  After that, we’re officially on vacation til September (and October for me), until the fall quarter classes begin.

Tags:Le Relais Peiresc,Toulon Navy Band

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