Since its first edition in 1993, Le French May Arts Festival has become one of the largest cultural events in Asia, offering a unique taste of all things French, from music, art and performance to outstanding gastronomy and stimulating educational programmes. With its stated objective “to touch everything, to be everywhere and for everyone” the event returns this year with a exciting lineup. And while most of the events will take place in Hong Kong, Macau will be treated to three special items.
Exclusively sponsored by MGM Macau and hosted in its MGM Art Space, A Golden Way of Life – Tres’Ors is an exhibition especially tailored for Le French May by French curator Anne Camilli from Le Musée à la Carte. The exhibition aims to help the public discover how the perfection and richness of Gold has inspired and fascinated French artists and craftsmen through time, presenting a unique selection of creations and artifacts, with over 150 works.
Visitors will be able to admire major gold pieces and work from French museums and private collections. Among them are remarkable religious pieces from the Musée Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon; exceptional 18th and 19th century clocks and watches from the Musée de l’Horlogerie de Morteau; a unique 1930’s sculpture – La Jeune Fille à la Colombe – by Zadkine; and jewels from the Boucheron collection. And by 20th century French artists comes a gold embroidered clutch by Van Cleef and Arpels; an evening bag adorned with gilded bronze by French sculptor Claude Lalanne; gold embroidered vintage pieces by Yves Saint Laurent; gilded perfume bottles from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as gold beauty accessories.
For music lovers, on May 4, Professor Kit Thompson from the University of Macau will host a talk with French conductor and musicologist, Sébastien Daucé, who is the artistic director and founder of Ensemble Correspondances. Following the talk, there will be an open dress rehearsal of the musical reconstruction of the Ballet Royal de la Nuit, dances and arias (The Royal Concert of The Night).
The following day, Ensemble Correspondances will present another performance at the Military Club of Macau, Chamber Music Concert with Ensemble Correspondances. As a reunion of musicians performing beautiful music, the concert is a typical representation of what could be heard in the ‘Salons’ of late 17th century France. This music both honours gallantry as Art de Vivre, whilst enjoying representing mythological characters of the period. The concert is open to public and for all non-club members.
A GOLDEN WAY OF LIFE – TRES’ORS
End of April – Sept 3, 2017
MGM Art Space, MGM Macau
Free Admission
Musical Reconstruction of the Ballet Royal
Al de la Nuit, dances and arias by Sébastien Daucé
University of Macau – University Hall N2
May 4, 6:30pm
Free Admission
Registration: [email protected]
Chamber Music Concert with Ensemble Correspondances
May 5, 2017, 7pm
Clube Militar de Macau – Salão
Stanley Ho
Concert Tickets: MOP100
Concert Tickets + dinner: MOP300
+853 2871 4000/[email protected]