For the brand new Paris Philharmonicscheduled to open this weekthe show must go on, even when the city surrounding it is still reels from the violence.
Amid unprecedented displays of unity and defiance in the wake of the attacks, the Philharmonic aims to celebrate those who lost their lives, dedicating its debut concerts to the victims.
Rising in the northeast of Paris like a shimmering metallic starship, the new venue’s opening is intended as a historic moment for the city and performance groups who will call it home.
Controversy has beset the building, designed by architect Jean Nouvel.
It’s gone over budget, was still being having its stainless steel and aluminum outer shell installed a week before the opening and has been criticized for being located in a far-flung suburb. It is in the La Villette quarter in the 19th arrondissement, a stone’s throw from the Boulevard Peripherique — Paris’ ring road.
Against a backdrop of turbulent times, the people behind the venue will be hoping for positive reviews to cement its reputation.
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By orienting itself toward these up and coming suburbs, the Philharmonic potentially opens itself to new audiences.
But whether or not younger, suburbanite crowds will fill the venue remains to be seen.
Prices for ticketed shows start at 10 euros on the Philharmonic’s website and books are open for the 2015 season. More details on the season can be found here at the Philharmonic’s season calendar.
Philharmonie de Paris; 221 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France; +33 1 44 84 44 84; www.philharmoniedeparis.fr
Bryan Pirolli is a freelance journalist based in Paris.
