In this time of confinement and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Alliance Française de Manille are kicking-off with the highly anticipated monthly cultural event “Les Jeudis culturels” (“Cultural Thursdays”) with a virtual French classical music concert featuring cellist Kyongmin Nam and pianist Dingdong Fiel.
Amid the impact of the global health crisis in communities all over the world, the Embassy of France continues its commitment to cultural diplomacy and adapts to this “new normal” by migrating its cultural programs to digital platforms.
For almost two years now, “Cultural Thursdays” has featured performances from highly-acclaimed French and Filipino artists, including award-winning French guitarist Thibault Cauvin, French jazz recording artist Tricia Evy, French classical pianist and composer Maxime Zecchini, Filipina soprano Rachelle Gerodias and Korean baritone Park Byeong-In, and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.
Under the new setting, the new Cultural Thursdays will be launched online for the first time with “Après un rêve” (“After a Dream”) – a French classical music concert featuring cellist Kyongmin Nam and pianist Dingdong Fiel, who will perform renditions of works by French masters, including Gabriel Fauré, Claude Debussy, and Claude Bolling.
French Embassy’s new Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Marc Piton said the Embassy recognizes the importance of adapting to the current situation and continuing their cultural advocacy using online platforms.
“In this time of confinement and uncertainty, we find comfort in culture. We hope that by relaunching Cultural Thursdays virtually, we would be able to reach new audiences and allow them to discover French music, appreciate Filipino talents, and enjoy a break from this difficult period, especially for those working tirelessly in the frontlines,” added Piton who arrived in Manila last September.
This inaugural digital event will be aired for free on November 26, 8:00 PM through the Facebook page of the Embassy of France: www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH.
Alongside the launching of the digital Cultural Thursdays is a French “Dinner for a Cause” organized in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and The Tasting Club.
Proceeds from the Dinner For A Cause will go to Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), a French-Philippine NGO dedicated to the professional and social integration of young adults living in extreme poverty and exclusion in the Philippines.
The Tasting Club presents a traditional French pairing menu featuring Beef Burgundy, Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, Chocolate Mousse Verrine, paired with a fine red wine from Burgundy (AOC Santenay) delivered straight to your doorstep for PHP 1,200 (delivery fee not included). with 10% of proceeds to be donated to LP4Y. The Tasting Club will also be hosting a virtual degustation before the 7:00 PM concert.
Those interested to order may check the virtual degustation registration link: https://forms.gle/rRat2UrUnqPu9cB59