On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Palazzetto Bru Zane will open its season with the Presentation of the Festival, a chamber music evening dedicated to the Folies parisiennes series. The program features soprano Anaïs Merlin and pianist Maguelone Parigot in a sparkling journey through 19th-century operetta, with excerpts by Hervé, Roger, Offenbach, Lecocq, and Messager.
Lively, witty, and delightfully unpredictable, this repertoire embodies the festive and satirical spirit that animated Parisian stages in the second half of the 19th century. At the center of this season’s celebrations is the bicentenary of Hervé (1825–1892), often hailed as the father of operetta. His works, marked by playful inventiveness and comic brilliance, paved the way for Offenbach and others who transformed light opera into a beloved cultural phenomenon.
The evening promises a kaleidoscope of moods—from mischievous satire to lyrical tenderness—offering audiences a glimpse into the refined yet humorous world of Romantic-era Paris. Anaïs Merlin’s expressive soprano and Maguelone Parigot’s nuanced pianism will bring to life the wit and elegance of these composers, whose music continues to enchant with its charm and immediacy.
The concert will be preceded by a presentation of the festival in Italian, providing context for the season’s focus on “Folies parisiennes”. To conclude, guests are invited to share in a convivial toast, echoing the spirit of celebration that characterizes both the music and the occasion.
An evening of discovery, humor, and joy awaits at the Palazzetto Bru Zane.
Website: www.bru-zane.com
Location: Palazzetto Bru Zane, Venice
Schedule: September 18, 2025
