Tribute to Ennio Morricone

About the Event

The greatest film scores arranged for saxophone and strings by Paul Mancini & the Paris Virtuosi Orchestra.
« Ennio Serenade » composed by Serge Léonardi world Premiere!
Ennio Morricone: The Maestro of Emotion
A prodigious Italian composer and conductor, Ennio Morricone redefined film music by infusing it with the rigor and depth of the classical repertoire. Trained at Rome’s Santa Cecilia Conservatory, he transcended genres across more than 500 iconic scores, blending symphonic lyricism with avant‐garde experimentation.
His work, honored with two Academy Awards, extends far beyond the silver screen: it represents a universal musical heritage where every note evokes a vivid image. This concert pays tribute to his melodic genius and his unique ability to transform silence into pure emotion, cementing his legacy among the greatest masters of the 20th century.


Examples of Ennio Morricone's compositions:
The Mission:
A poignant work blending liturgical chorals with a solo oboe, this score illustrates the cultural clash within South American Jesuit missions. The main theme, 'Gabriel's Oboe,' has become a classical repertoire standard due to its melodic purity. Morricone weaves a universal spirituality that transcends the screen to touch the sacred.
Il Buono, il Brutto, il Cattivo:
Revolutionary in its use of shouts, whistling, and electric guitars, this theme is the ultimate emblem of the Spaghetti Western. The structure mimics a coyote’s howl, creating immediate dramatic tension and an instantly recognizable sonic identity. It stands as a masterful demonstration of Morricone’s inventiveness in modern orchestration.
Nuovo Cinema Paradiso:
A true love letter to the silver screen, this score is carried by overwhelming nostalgia and infinite tenderness. The 'Love Theme' captures the essence of childhood and the passage of time through lyrical strings and delicate piano. It is undoubtedly one of the most moving compositions in cinema history, celebrating memory and passion.

Paul Mancini
Born in 1976 in the French city of Ajaccio on the beautiful Mediterranean island of Corsica, Paul Mancini began studying the saxophone at the age of seven as a member of his local brass band. He then entered the Conservatoire National de Musique de Nice on the French Riviera, where he specialized in jazz and its history. Paul Mancini has performed not only in most major French cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Nice, but also in London, Miami, and even Marrakech, to an ever‐growing number of enthusiastic fans.
A saxophonist, composer, producer, writer, and playwright acclaimed by the public, Paul Mancini's career extends far beyond the boundaries of jazz to explore all fields of artistic expression. Based in Corsica and focused on transmission projects, Paul Mancini affirms a vision of music perfectly in line with the vocation of Paris Virtuosi: to transmit excellence, conviviality and emotion to a wide audience.

Serge Leonardi is a French music composer based in Paris, known for his versatility and expertise in various fields. He has composed music for over 50 documentaries broadcast worldwide, notably for National Geographic, Canal+, and Discovery.
He has also created soundtracks for films, commercials, special events, and performances. His compositions are performed in prestigious venues, and he has collaborated with renowned artists and brands.
In 2021, he was nominated for Best Music at the Aubagne International Film Festival for the film 'Les Sanguins' by François Ruiz. He also won the Grand Prize for Best Documentary Music at the CREA MUSIC FESTIVAL for the Canal+ series 'Les Paris du Globe Cooker.'

Paris Virtuosi
The Paris Virtuosi orchestra is made up of professional artists—violinists, cellists, and violists from the world's leading orchestras. All have won international competitions and perform in the most prestigious concert halls. In Paris, they come together to perform the most beautiful works of the classical repertoire in churches.
Its artistic director, cellist Éric Zorgniotti, has performed with the Paris National Opera Orchestra, the Monte‐Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Ensemble Orchestral de Paris, under the direction of conductors such as Valery Gergiev, Pierre Boulez, and Georges Prêtre.
In these magical settings, the Paris Virtuosi repertoire showcases classical and sacred music, enhancing the acoustic experience for an audience comprised of both seasoned music lovers and more casual listeners.

The Church of Saint‐Jean de Montmartre
Nestled at the foot of Montmartre, this church is a bold Art Nouveau masterpiece, famous for being the first religious building constructed with reinforced concrete. Designed by architect Anatole de Baudot and completed in 1904, it stands out with its striking red brick facade and elegant curves inspired by Neo‐Gothic style. Inside, the slender pillars and the brilliance of the stained‐glass windows create an atmosphere of absolute lightness. This intimate setting provides a warm and precise acoustic, perfectly suited for chamber music and sacred repertoires. A true testament to Parisian innovation, the church offers audiences an exceptional historical and artistic sanctuary for a timeless musical experience.