Exhibition: Georges Bizet and Paris
Carmen was such a phenomenal success that we tend to associate Georges Bizet with Seville, Andalusia, and Spain in general, although he never actually visited that country. Bizet’s life was in fact closely linked to the city of Paris. He was born there, received his musical training there, and it was there that he established his career. His operas were intended for the stages of the capital, his symphonic works were written for its concert societies, and his mélodies and piano pieces were presented in its salons. Furthermore, with the city’s publishers he found a means of ensuring his livelihood by transcribing the works of his fellow composers.
This virtual exhibition retraces the different aspects of Georges Bizet’s life in his native Paris, focusing on the places and the districts that played a key role in his artistic career. It was created by the Music History students of the Conservatoire Maurice Ravel (13th arrondissement) and the Ida Rubinstein Conservatoire (CRR), under the direction of Hélène Cao.