Orchestre Les Violons de France Les Violons de France: Vivaldi's The Four Seasons at La Madeleine
Paris, Eglise de la Madeleine — Main Hall
About the Event
Treat yourself to a memorable experience with a performance of Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' by the Orchestre Les Violons de France in La Madeleine Church.
Historic La Madeleine Church is among the most important 19th century monuments in Paris, and its richtly decorated interior offers an inviting atmosphere to enjoy uplifting classical music.
The Four Seasons is a group of four violin concertos written by Italian Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi in 1721. Each concerto represents the musical expression of a season of the year — probably the sounds Vivaldi experienced in the countryside of Mantua. Each concerto is paired with a sonnet‐form text, authorship of which is often ascribed to Vivaldi also, making 'The Four Seasons' one of the earliest examples of program music.
Practical Information
Reduced price applies to students and unemployed people with valid ID.
Program
- Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni – Adagio
- Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
- Franz Schubert – Ave Maria
- Charles Gounod – Ave Maria
Artists
| Orchestra: | Orchestre Les Violons de France Under the direction of celebrated violinist and conductor Frédéric Moreau, Les violons de France play a specially‐adapted repertoire that brings virtuosity to the fore. A frequent guest artist around the world, Moreau leads the ensemble on his 1749 Guadagnini instrument, paying homage, in particular, to the art of the great Niccoló Paganini. Playing regularly in some of Paris' most precious architectural gems, such as the Sainte‐Chapelle, and more broadly across France, Les violons de France is also active in fostering the next generation of musical talent, producing themed pedagogical concerts that introduce children to the wonders of classical music. |
|---|---|
| Soprano: | Cécile Besnard French soprano Cécile Besnard has enjoyed a varied career since graduating with honours from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris. A student of Renata Scotto and Ileana Cotrubas, her lyric talents have seen her perform in opera and concerts around the world, with her signature role — Debussy's Mélisande — taking her to London's Royal Opera House Covent Garden, among other celebrated venues. Besnard gives concerts and recitals regularly in Paris' most iconic churches and venues with the city's 'Les Violons de France' ensemble. |
Eglise de la Madeleine
The Eglise de la Madeleine is a 19th-century Roman Catholic church that commands all eyes in its lovely location between the Place de la Concorde and the Palais Garnier in Paris. The construction process stretched over 80 years, as the building's plans - and those funding it - underwent many changes. Initially intended as Napoleon's tribute to his victorious army, the Neo-Classical style, echoing that of an Ancient Roman temple, retains the immense standing columns of earlier churches on the site. Inside the Eglise de la Madeleine, one can admire beautiful Neo-Byzantine mosaics, paintings and sculptures. The Neo-Classical architecture and impressive internal decorations create a perfect atmosphere for the classical concerts that take place in the church throughout the year. A magnificent pipe organ, considered to be one of the most impressive instruments in Paris in terms of its tonal beauty, plays its own part in the La Madeleine's musical life.
Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi went down in history as a creator of the instrumental concert genre and the father of orchestral music. He was born in Venice on the 4th of March 1678. Vivaldi was a weak and sickly child suffering from asthma, however could not stop him from devoting himself completely to music. His father, Giovanni Batista a professional violinist, taught his elder son Antonio to play the violin. With his father young Antonio met the best musicians of Venice of that time and gave concerts in local churches. He also worked as a violin teacher and later as a music director at the orphanage Ospedalle della Pieta. Meanwhile he composed concertos, sacred works and vocal music and in 1713 he achieved great recognition with his sacred choral music. Vivaldi got captivated by the world of opera and worked both as opera composer and impresario at the Teatro San Angelo. In 1717 he obtained a prestigious position by the prince court in Manua as a director of secular music and worked there until around 1720. During that time he composed his world-renowned masterpiece The Four Seasons. In the 1730's his career dwindled as his music became unfashionable and the great composer died in poverty. It took the world two centuries to rediscover and reevaluate Vivaldi’s music, as it was buried into oblivion after his death. In the early 20th century many previously unknown works were found and immediately captured the hearts of the music lovers.
Customer Reviews
4.7 of 5
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Catherine W, Ireland
Oct 2025
Superb
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sonya m, United Kingdom
Oct 2025
the setting is absolutely stunning and the acoustics are simply beautiful. An iconic classical piece in an histporical central Parisian church — magnificent
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Eric S, France
Oct 2025
Vivaldi ensommeillé et une cantatrice trop faible
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Mairi S, Canada
Oct 2025
It was amazing and I would highly recommend
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Danielle R, France
Oct 2025
Très bien
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Sarah C, Canada
Oct 2025
Amazing venue and performance! It felt very intimate and you get the sense that you are watching the baroque pieces being performed as the composers imagined they might be. Truly recommend for any music lovers
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Oriane B, Ireland
Oct 2025
just awesome
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Mary G, France
Oct 2025
Mary Gallagher
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Hugo W, Deutschland
Oct 2025
Ein wunderbares Konzert in einer beeindruckenden Virtuosität. Tolles Ambiente der Madeleine gab der Darbietung den entsprechenden feierlichen Rahmen.
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Fred K, USA
Oct 2025
Very special venue and very fine violins and cello. The soloist was such a class act!
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Christopher W, USA
Oct 2025
This was a wonderful surprise and experience for my wife and I visiting Paris from Alaska.
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Leslie O, USA
Oct 2025
Magnificent venue, gorgeous presentation
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Heather A, USA
Sep 2025
This was a deeply moving experience. The musicians and vocalist were extremely talented and to hear them in such an historic and intimate setting was just amazing. Highly recommend.
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Monique P, France
Sep 2025
Parfait
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Mary R, USA
Sep 2025
The venue couldn’t have been more perfect. The performance was superb. I would urge anyone to attend this concert. We were very happy with our evening.
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Hossam N, USA
Sep 2025
Amazing. Great choices. Musicians perfect
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Steven S, Netherlands
Sep 2025
There is too much reverb for polyphonic music in the Madeleine. Soloist was good, orchestra (6 piece) not great.
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Christine M, Deutschland
Sep 2025
Wunderschön. Ein unvergessener Konzertbesuch‐ Musiker, die Musikauswahl und die schöne Kirche in einer wunderbaren Stadt‐ trotz Regen
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Joanne B, USA
Sep 2025
A wonderful concert of very talented musicians
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Ana maria R, México
Sep 2025
Pocos músicos , sillas incómodas
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Corentin G, France
Sep 2025
Une performance inoubliable dans un lieu mythique. C'etait beau et émouvant.
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PAMELA V, France
Sep 2025
j'adore. Et je vais retourné
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Mary G, USA
Sep 2025
Absolutely wonderful
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Luiz Felipe M, Brazil
Sep 2025
I apreciares the quality of the players the repertór
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Thierry D, France
Sep 2025
Je suis enchanté de ce spectacle. La diffusion du son, dans cette église, est très bonne.
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Pilar G, Chile
Sep 2025
maravilloso concierto, preciosa iglesia y música muy bien tocada. Solo sugiero que los artistas den una pequeña explicación de las piezas que van a tocar, para entender y apreciar mejor.
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Patrick R, France
Sep 2025
Un bon moment de musique
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Steve A, USA
Sep 2025
Breath takingly beautiful historic church, high quality performance needed amplification.
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Elayne G, USA
Sep 2025
Excellent. Loved the music. Loved the setting. Can’t wait to do another.
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Eliaz L, Israel
Aug 2025
Enjoyed perfect music in wonderful place
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Mary H, Australia
Aug 2025
It was an excellent concert in a stunning venue. Bravo
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Nathalie L, France
Aug 2025
Beau spectacle
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Andreas N, Switzerland
Aug 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed the event!
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Annette R, Deutschland
Aug 2025
Wonderful ❤️
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Roberta R, Italia
Aug 2025
Tutto meraviglioso, dalla scaletta musicale alla location. Serata perfetta!
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Alina K, Hong Kong
Aug 2025
Elina and the cello are amazing .
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Alan W, Canada
Aug 2025
Excellent concert. Players were too notch and atmosphere was unforgettable
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Nicolas M, France
Aug 2025
Je suis toujours enchanté d’assister à ce sublime concert
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Oriane B, Ireland
Jul 2025
so beautiful, thank you
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Paul H, USA
Jul 2025
Excellent concert. There are a few times when the group was not well connected, but the overall performance was wonderful.
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Susan B, USA
Jul 2025
What a marvelous Parisian experience! Extraordinary excellent musicisionship in a breathtakingly beautiful setting. We loved it!
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Natasha D, USA
Jul 2025
Violin performance at La Madeleine was a musical and visual treat! Grace and beauty in sight and sound, amplified by the serene atmosphere. Lovely way to end an evening in Paris, I’d do it again!
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Lawrence H, Canada
Jul 2025
Exceptional musicians
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Tabitha C, Canada
Jul 2025
Absolutely delightful!
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Ric B, Australia
Jul 2025
It was a very good performance, extremely hi ohh level
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Elizabeth T, France
Jul 2025
Perfect!
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Harris G, USA
Jun 2025
Beautiful music in a serene setting.
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Thomas H, USA
Dec 2024
Beautiful music in a beautiful venue. We loved the performance.
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Leslie B, USA
Oct 2024
The concert was wonderful! We are so glad we went.
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chantal A, France
Apr 2024
Génial, merci
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NAGI T, 日本
Feb 2024
素晴らしい教会の雰囲気と素晴らしい演奏夢の様なひと時でした
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Véronique N, France
Feb 2024
Nous avons été enchantés par ce concert des 4 Saisons de Vivaldi. Musiciennes et musiciens au TOP!
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Yixin C, 法国
Feb 2024
magnifique
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Christine H, Australia
Feb 2024
Outstanding!!! Beautiful church. Wonderful music, expertly played. I had a wonderful night. Thankyou.
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Janice L, Australia
Jan 2024
We are from Australia and this was the best classical concert we have ever been to. The venue was stunning, the music was excellent and the acoustics were fantastic. It was the best night we have had in Paris. The musicians were brilliant.
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Olivier Z, France
Jan 2024
Excellent concert et église magnifique
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Sandra C, Australia
Jan 2024
Superbe!
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Nancy B, USA
Dec 2023
It was an excellent concert!
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Rose‐Michelle M, France
Dec 2023
Céleste
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Norma Maria C, México
Oct 2023
Fue un concierto excelso, sublime, el mejor, realmente nos gusto mucho
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Charles T, Canada
Sep 2023
Great performance, incredible venue — a surreal experience.
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Patrick G, USA
Sep 2023
I enjoyed the experience but with some reservations. The ensemble of six string players was quite competent. My disappointment lies in the fact that the solo violinist required the use of sheet music to read. She should have the music entirely memorized. She had her sheet music on a music stand which completely obstructed the view for the one third of the audience sitting on the right side. The audience attends a concert featuring a violin soloist, not only to hear the soloist play, but especially to see the soloist’s fingers and bow technique. I saw none of that from my seat.
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Feb 2023
Excellent
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Jan 2023
Concert magnifique dans un endroit superbe
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Sandra E, Etats‐Unis
Feb 2020
Fabulous!
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mireia b, España
Feb 2020
Muy buen concierto, espléndida experiencia en la Madeleine.
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HISAO K, 日本
Feb 2020
選曲、演奏技術、表現力ともに素晴らしいものでした。ただし、以前マドレーヌで「四季」を聞いた時もそうでしたが、観客が楽章が終わるごとに盛大な拍手を送り、楽曲のつながりと余韻を損ねてしまっていたのが残念です。
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KYUNG‐JA z, France
Feb 2020
Très bien. Je le recommanderai Musiciens excellents et exceptionnels Bravo
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Atsuko S, 日本
Sep 2019
マドレーヌ教会の雰囲気はとても良かった。
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Urielle S, France
Aug 2019
C'était une première pour moi et je n'ai pas été déçue. Je suis arrivée à 19h50 et j'ai trouvé une place au premier rang, le concert a commencé à l'heure et la prestation m'a ravi. Vraiment enthousiaste, envie de revenir.
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Jean‐Claude A, France
Aug 2019
Un moment magique plein de surprises géniales qui ont fait que le temps s'est arrêté le temps du concert quant au final, alors là c'est la première fois que je vis un tel moment de pur plaisir. Merci !!!!
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Catherine T, France
Aug 2019
Excellent concert. Merci pour cette belle soirée
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ying J, 中国
Jul 2019
good quality，convenient to pass through
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anna P, France
Jun 2019
Excellent soliste au violon(Vinh Pham),très bon ensemble de violonistes et voiloncelle . La Madeleine et son acoustique nous ont ravi les tympans! Nous avons été moins touché par la chanteuse soliste. Expérience à réitérer!
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marcel b, Canada
Jun 2019
Flawless artistry that left us breathless
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Lawrence R, USA
May 2019
The performance was terrific, and so was the venue. When I first booked the concert, I accidentally booked the wrong date but ClassicTic took care of it right away. Flawless performance from start to finish!
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Mark W, USA
May 2019
Very good except for the Canon in D.
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Basile C, France
Mar 2019
Un spectacle de très grande qualité, des oeuvres magnifiques et touchantes, un bis très apprécié, un public de qualité de connaisseurs
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Alexey K, Russian Federation
Mar 2019
Very beautiful and absolutely professional performance, thank you so much!
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Emalie M, Australia
Feb 2019
Beautiful!
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JUSTINO M, France
Jan 2019
Nice performance! thank you and see u soon 😀
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Pascaline L, France
Jan 2019
Reservation nickel, spectacle genial. Rien à dire à refaire le plus vite possible
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Huyen S, France
Jan 2019
Excellent concert dans décor magnifique
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Nessa M, Ireland
Jan 2019
Absolutely superb
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Pablo v, Perú
Jan 2019
Beautiful New Year concert at La Madeleine, magnificent performance .
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Joaquim C, France
Jan 2019
Ce concert nous a comblé par la qualité des intervenants, notamment la voix de Cécile Besnard et la virtuosité du violoniste Frederic Moreau. De plus, le choix des extraits de compositions étaient adaptés à la circonstance.
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Jean H.
Sep 2017
Fabulous musicians, concert and venue!!
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Marc B.,
Nov 2012
Fantastic concert! Great setting.
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cora r.,
Nov 2012
Amazing!!!! Excelent service. Thanks
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Hélène L.,
Oct 2012
Cadre et musique exceptionels
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Courbot A.,
Sep 2012
The place was great, so was the music. The low price made it very accessible — unfortunately this led to lots of people filming the performance and grabbing the attention of the people behind them with the bright LCD screen of the camera. I had two of these right in front of me and it really ruins what would have otherwise been a delightful concert.
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Jane L., Australia
Sep 2012
We absolutely loved it. We read previous reviews and made sure we were there early so that our seats were at the front
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Wim D., Belgium
Aug 2012
Best concert I've ever seen. Amazingly skilled musicians, great music, interesting interpretations, fascinating, touching. Only minus: chairs are not comfortable; I'd suggest to introduce a break to relax muscles and bones.
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Tanja B., Germany
Aug 2012
war ein superkonzert in einer superschoenen ambiente
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Juan G., Argentina
Jul 2012
Excellent!
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Fred W., United Kingdom
Jun 2012
Lovely concert in lovely venue
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Karen R., France
Jun 2012
inexpensive, stunning venue, easy to purchase tickets, all wonderful
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Yoshifumi T., Japan
Apr 2012
マドレーヌ寺院の内部に見惚れ、音響の素晴らしに聞き惚れ、素晴らしい一時でした。手頃な料金で、短時間の、身近な楽曲のコンサートです。パリの夜の過ごし方選択枝の一つとして、中々の優れ物だと思う。
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Ana C., Portugal
Jan 2012
The main violionist is exceptional. The acoustics of the room is very good.
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Véronique G., Switzerland
Jan 2012
super très bon soliste au violon et très bon programme
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CLAUDE O., France
Oct 2011
Bonjour , c 'est un cadre très agréable et l'accoustique était très bonne , bravo à ces jeunes artistes et son chef d'orchestre qui a du naître avec un violon dans les mains , plus de violons aurait été encore plus agréable
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Mariya S., Ukraine
Oct 2011
Very good performance. We both got the most positive emotions
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claudy d., France
Sep 2011
tres sastifait pour mon 1er concert
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Britt G., Sweden
Sep 2011
Very good performance and a brilliant violinist.
Address
Eglise de la Madeleine, Place de la Madeleine, Paris, France — Google Maps
