Ensemble Contraste

This program is a tribute to the composers whose tragic journeys into exile have shaped American musical theatre and film music. Some, such as Kurt Weill (Mack the Knife) born in Germany, or Irving Berlin (Cheek to cheek) born in the Russian Empire, had to seek refuge in the United States in a hurry, in order to infuse their music with freedom. Other composers, such as George Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein, Richard Rodgers and Leonard Bernstein, although born in the United States, never forgot the story of their Jewish parents who had to flee Eastern Europe.

Their music reflects this dual identity, blending the cultural heritage of their ancestors with the artistic effervescence of twentieth-century America. To interpret these works marked by history, Ensemble Contraste relies on the powerful and moving vocal duo of two exceptional singers: Neïma Naouri and Irina De Baghy.

Cast :

Ensemble Contraste
Under the musical direction of Johan Farjot and the artistic direction of Arnaud Thorette
Neïma Naouri, mezzo-soprano
Irina De Baghy, mezzo-soprano
Arnaud Thorette, alto
Alix Merckx, double bass
Johan Farjot, piano & arrangements

Programme (non-exhaustive list) :

1. Suite Hébraique - Ernest Bloch
2. Cheek to cheek - Top hat, Irving Berlin
3. Spreak low - Kurt Weill
4. Mac the Knife - Kurt Weill
5. Singin' in the rain - N H Brown
6. Ballad of a sad young men - Fran Landesman
7. Summertime - George Gershwin
8. Schindler's list - John Williams
9. Being good isn't good enough - Jule Styne
10. Somewhere over the rainbow - Harold Arlen
11. I love Paris - Cole Porter
12. Somewhere - Leonard Bernstein
13. Mambo Italiano - Bob Merril
14. A piece of sky - Michel Legrand
15. Smile - Charlie Chaplin
and a few surprises...