The Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Alliance Française de Manille are pleased to announce the return of “Les Jeudis culturels” (“Cultural Thursdays”) with a virtual French classical music concert featuring cellist Kyongmin Nam and pianist Dingdong Fiel.
In the context of this global health crisis that has led to the implementation of confinement measures in the country, the Embassy of France continues its commitment to cultural diplomacy and adapts to this “new normal” by migrating its cultural programs to digital platforms.
Since 2018, “Cultural Thursdays” has been a highly anticipated monthly event that 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.
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.
“Our embassy recognizes the importance of adapting to the current situation and continuing our cultural advocacy using online platforms,” said Marc Piton, the French Embassy’s new Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs who arrived in Manila last September.
“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” he added.
This inaugural 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.
A French Dinner for a Cause
The Cultural Thursdays experience is best enjoyed with French cuisine. This concert is organized in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines and The Tasting Club, which will be offering a “Dinner For A Cause” for the benefit of the 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 prior to the concert at 7:00 PM.
Order form and virtual degustation registration link: https://forms.gle/rRat2UrUnqPu9cB59
“Les Jeudis Culturels” (“Cultural Thursdays”) is organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and by the Alliance Française de Manille, in partnership with the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines, The Tasting Club, LP4Y, Manila Pianos, and Mr. Richard Sy-Facunda – the artistic director and resident recordist of the Manila Pianos Artist Series.
