In studio 128 of La Plaine Saint-Denis, reigns an atmosphere of the great evenings.
Without ever being stuffy, “Prodiges” has been transporting us since 2014 to the magical and festive world of music, singing and classical dance.
TV Magazine
, partner of this elegant and exemplary television moment in many respects, followed the time of filming, this prodigious youth, behind the scenes and on the set.
"Le grand bal de Noël", title announced by France 2 for this semi-final, leaves no doubt about the broadcast period.
Alexandra Redde-Amiel, director of entertainment at France Télévisions, explains: “
We continue to bring this theme of the imagination to life, like a timeless moment that makes us dream.
This show is about bringing the family together
.
To discover
TV program: Find tonight's TV program
Read alsoJulie Fuchs makes a comeback in season 9 of “Prodigies”
The 15 young artists aged 9 to 16, five per category, await with enthusiasm and fervor to present their piece of bravery.
Too concentrated to really heckle, they do not hesitate to support their companions.
“
Each year, we receive between 450 and 600 applications
,” explains Nicolas Missoffe, producer at EndemolShine France.
An enthusiastic initiator
Michel Eli, co-creator of this remarkable public service program, says: “
Every year I take a bath of youth.
“Prodiges” has a social role.
These children and teenagers are well dressed, hardworking, smiling and in love with their art.
We feel a great emulation and a lot of emotions
.
The great works of the classics and the talent of the children have a lot to do with it.
When the tears spring on occasion, Faustine Bollaert knows how to be very consoling and attentive.
Julie Fuchs again in the light
At the jury table, we find the soprano Julie Fuchs, alongside the famous cellist Gautier Capuçon, historical juror of the instrumentalists and sponsor of the Orchester à l'école association, and Marie-Claude Pietragalla, who brings her perspective as a dancer star and choreographer since season 5 of “Prodiges”.
Replaced last year by the mezzo-soprano Gaëlle Arquez, Julie Fuchs rediscovers her beautiful bond with Gautier Capuçon as well as her ardor when it comes to going on stage.
Faustine hangs on Shostakovich
Faustine Bollaert continues with great professionalism the presentation of "Prodigies" but quickly slipping Shostakovich or Lascia ch'io pianga (Aria by Handel) is not so easy even with a loose tongue.
A little clash that relaxes everyone.
It is also the art of the presenter of “It starts today” to bring daily life and naturalness with gaiety.
Note that Faustine Bollaert presented "Symphony for Life - Special Yellow Pieces" alongside Gautier Capuçon.
Wounded, he goes on stage
The father of a young dancer massages his son's calf for a long time backstage.
Injured, the young man nevertheless performs a clean and neat performance.
The law of the contest wants that the whole of the accomplished work and the efforts is judged in 2 to 3 minutes of service.
However, all the candidates can count on the unfailing support of the Divertimento symphony orchestra, by Zahia Ziouani.
The conductor always sets the tone highlighting the singer or the instrumentalist.
The young artists are also accompanied by the 40 choristers of the Chœur de Paris, brought together by Till Aly, and by the ballet of the Winter Palace in Saint-Petersburg.
A sharp jury and a warm public
Each performance is greeted by a concert of applause from the public and the standing ovations are legion.
The trio of jurors, very precise in their comments and recommendations, lifts an interesting veil on the technical terms of their art.
On the other hand, the microphone does not remain open during the deliberations.
Soon will be the grand finale with the 9 very promising finalists, three per category.
One of them will succeed clarinetist Simon Lopez, prodigy of season 8.