Ensemble Contraste

Mathieu Laine's poetic story and Karol Beffa's delicate, endearing melodies, based on the illustrated book published by Gallimard Jeunesse, wonderfully illustrate the power of music. This is the story of a grumpy, authoritarian and jealous king who ruled over a tiny band of musicians. Except that he... hated music! And since he was the king, he decided to forbid his subjects to play a single note. But how could anyone live without music?

Karol Beffa has set this wonderful adventure to music. Performed by the composer at the piano and the musicians of Ensemble Contraste conducted by Arnaud Thorette (violin, clarinet, cello, piano).

This tale can be followed by a second tale by the same authors and with the same ensemble: Le Roi qui aimait Joséphine (The King who loved Josephine).

To complement this program, the artists offer a participatory improvisation session on themes suggested by the audience.

Cast:
Arnaud Thorette, viola
Karol Beffa, piano
Rozenn Le Trionnaire, clarinet
Antoine Pierlot, cello

Reciters (subject to availability) : Thibault de Montalembert, Charles Berling, Raphaël Enthoven, Stéphane Varupenne or Nicole Oliver.

Duration: 25 minutes