As part of the Folies parisiennes series, the concert French Touch will take place on September 27, 2025, at the Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista. Organized by Bru Zane, this chamber music evening brings together the exceptional Quatour Opale—Jennifer Courcier (soprano), Éléonore Pancrazi (mezzo-soprano), Enguerrand de Hys (tenor), and Philippe Estèphe (baritone)—accompanied by pianist Emmanuel Christien. The program features sparkling excerpts from operettas by Hervé, Rey, Offenbach, Serpette, Messager, Bizet, and others.
Writing for four mixed voices—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—has long been a hallmark of opera choirs and sacred chorales. Yet in 19th-century France, the vocal quartet as an ensemble of soloists was a rarity. French Touch revives this unusual form, showcasing the richness and variety of opéra-bouffe through ever-shifting vocal combinations.
From Hervé, the visionary often credited as the father of operetta, to the wit of Offenbach and the elegance of Messager, this repertoire thrives on humor, satire, and theatrical sparkle. At the same time, the evening promises moments of lyrical beauty, where the grace of French melody emerges alongside playful character pieces. The four singers of Quatour Opale, each with distinct timbral colors, blend and contrast their voices in a way that reveals both the comic vitality and the refined artistry of this repertoire.
The concert will be followed by a convivial toast, extending the spirit of festivity that animates the program. French Touch invites audiences to rediscover the lighthearted brilliance of Romantic Paris in a fresh, intimate setting.
Website: www.bru-zane.com
Location: Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista, Venice
Schedule: September 27, 2025
