Getting inspired by 'Le Concert' and a little Moet..
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the pre screening of ‘Le Concert’ in the Lighthouse cinema in Smithfield on behalf of the ever fabulous Stylebible. I had no idea what to expect and I left feeling wholly uplifted. The evening from start to finish was spectacular. Before the screening kicked off guests were treated to mini flutes of Moet & Chandon and delicious canapés served, aptly by girls dressed Parisian style-complete with berets!The evening had a sophisticated French feeling throughout, even with yummy macaroons may I add!!
The planned screening was due to be ‘Gainsbourg’ so I was a little annoyed to hear it had mysteriously been lost in transit..... But we were told that we were in for a treat with ‘Le Concert’ and let me tell you than was a major understatement!
Directed by Radu Mihaileanu, Le Concert begins with Andrei Filipov, a previously famous conductor known as "The Maestro", who now seems to be nothing but an old has-been. 30 years ago, one of his performances was interrupted by officials acting on behalf of Brezhnev, labelling him (and many of his Jewish orchestra members) as "enemies of the State". Filipov now works as a janitor at the concert hall which he once directed. In a moment of insanity or perhaps I should say clarity, pocessed by a passion greater than himself, he intercepts an official invitation from the prestigious Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Through a series of mad and often extremely humorous antics he reunites his old orchestra, now composed of old alcoholic musicians, and flies to perform in Paris and complete the Tchaikovsky concerto interrupted 30 years earlier.
Yes, on the surface the film involves a conductor trying to get his old orchestra back to play a concert, but what underlies is so much bigger than just expression through music. Although music obviously plays a big part, Le Concert is about so much more than that. It’s about fulfilling lost dreams, fighting personal demons and finding something bigger than oneself. Even people who haven't got any interest in classical music at all (like myself) can relate to this.
Le Concert is a story of incredible, all consuming, overpowering and inspiring PASSION! Passion, determination, heartbreak, hope and following your dreams and as I said there are some really funny moments throughout and let me tell you the ending is breathtaking. The cast is amazing, with the stunning Mélanie Laurent (also in Inglorious Bastards) playing popular violinist Anne-Marie Jacquet.
I strongly recommend all you guys check it out if you can, its goes on release on Sunday 18th July in The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield.
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