Sunday, July 18, 2010

La Madeleine


Today's Sunday Churches of Paris is the beautiful Église de la Madeleine, named in honor of St. Mary Magdalene. We were fortunate to be in Paris during the Fête de la Musique. Genie, Marie and I attended a choral concert of classical music there in the evening. Hearing the voices of sixteen young women in this exquisite setting was a night I will never forget. I took this photograph shortly before the concert began.

13 comments:

Julie said...

I am looking for a sultry jaZZ club. What would you recommend?

Alexa said...

Wow, this is spectacular—the church AND your photo!
Adding some choral music to this setting might even be too much. Don't think I've ever been inside the Madeleine. It's so simple and un-churchlike on the outside; this interior is a bit of a (lovely) surprise. Thanks, V!

Virginia said...

Julie,
I have no idea on that one, sorry!

Alexa,
Yes, the interior is breathtaking. I wish you could have heard the music. The accoustics are wonderful!

Virginia said...

I forgot to add that there is a very nice public toilette on the street (down of course)!

I see now that mon amie Genie ( Paris and Beyond) posted virtually the same photo of that evening! We have had a good laugh over that one.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Virginia -- When I pulled up your blog this morning I thought Huh? Twins separated at birth? Definitely!

Your photo is beautiful with the unusual chandeliers and grand piano. What a setting with incredible acoustics for those lovely young voices. It was, as you said, unforgettable.

M said...

Virginia, seeing your photo brings back the beauty of the Mozart as the concert opened. It was a delightful and memorable evening.

Starman said...

You don't have to wait for the Fête de la Musique to enjoy concerts at La Madeleine, there is at least one concert a month held there. Usually, it will be Les Quatre Saisons.

Owen said...

Hi Virginia,
If I may answer to Julie with one recommendation about Jazz in Paris, try this website for info :

http://www.parisjazzclub.net/fr/4449/concert/2010/7/24/ludovic-de-preissac-trio

Ludovic de Preissac is one of the finest jazz pianists in Paris, playing next Saturday, 24th of July, at Café Laurent, 75006. I've seen him play with his trio, they are excellent.

And Virginia, isn't the Madeleine a lovely place to see concerts ? Especially when 16 vestal virgins... errrr... young women are performing.

Shane Pollard said...

Beautiful!
The spirituality of the Church.
I can imagine the voices as I've been to performances many times in such venues..

One was last year in Auxerre - nourishment for the soul!

Harriet said...

Thank you for this photo. I've never been inside, though I've walked past it many times.

Julie said...

Thank you, Owen. I am onto it!

Judy - So California said...

V, What an incredible shot this is! Can only imagine what it would be like with music - absolutely wonderful.

Petrea Burchard said...

That is magnificent. Magnificent. I'd want to sit there in silence.