As part of the Folies parisiennesseries, the Palazzetto Bru Zane will host the concert “Wit and playfulness“ (Paris, the Guitar and You) on September 28, 2025. This intimate evening will feature baritone Marc Mauillon and guitarist Pascal Sanchez performing songs for voice and guitar by Hervé, Marescot, Mamers, Doisy, Merchi, Boileau, and others.
The playful—and at times lightly licentious—French chanson has long been the pulse of social life, crossing centuries and social classes. With roots in the gallant spirit of the 17th century, it thrives on suggestion rather than bluntness, reveling in wit, elegance, and double entendre. It is an art of delicate balance: bold enough to entertain, yet always clever enough to avoid scandal.
The guitar, in particular, was the faithful companion of this tradition. From the salons of the 18th century to the cafés and cabarets of the Belle Époque, it served as the accomplice of singers who turned daily life, flirtation, and satire into music. Its intimacy and versatility made it the ideal partner for songs that were meant less for grand stages than for convivial gatherings, where humor and charm carried the day.
In this program, Marc Mauillon—renowned for his expressive vocal colors—and Pascal Sanchez, a specialist in the romantic guitar, will retrace the history of this sparkling repertoire. Together they revive a musical heritage that is at once refined and mischievous, revealing the timeless charm of Parisian chanson in its most authentic form.
Website: www.bru-zane.com
Location: Palazzetto Bru Zane, Venice
Schedule: September 28, 2025
