In memory of Notre-Dame
Gergely Ménesi, conductor of Liszt Academy Symphony Orchestra paid tribute on behalf of Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music to Notre-Dame cathedral aflame previous night.
The orchestra formed by Academy students gave a concert the day after the tragedy performing Ferenc Liszt’s and frenchman Francis Poulenc’s works – both of whom are linked to Paris in many ways as well as to the Catholic Church and to Notre-Dame itself. The conductor spoke deeply moved by the shocking event and the immeasurable damage it caused:
’Dear Audience, we can not walk on by the catastrophy of Notre-Dame in silence. Music played tonight is mostly connected to Paris. Ferenc Liszt has seen the Etruscan vase fragment with the representation of Orpheus that inspired him composing his symphonic poem to be played tonight, in the Louvre of Paris. Francis Poulenc’s Stabat Mater was composed in memoriam his friend, painter Christian Bernard who had just passed away, dedicating his soul to Our Lady. We all are shocked by the grevious state of Our Lady’s church in Paris. May every notes of this concert renew all of us.’ – said Gergely Ménesi in his preliminary speech.
Gergely Ménesi