A magical evening opens Thursday, December 22 on France 2, that of the semi-final of “Prodiges”, a classic talent competition produced by Endemol France and presented by Faustine Bollaert, in partnership with
TV Magazine
.
Last year, 16-year-old Simon Lopez won the title and the 10,000 euro purse by performing a transcription for clarinet of the "Queen of the Night air" from Mozart's
The Magic Flute
, in front of more than 3 million viewers!
Placed at the forefront, at the moment when each of the fifteen candidates rushes into the light, then welcoming them all moved or out of breath, Faustine Bollaert reassures with her warm presence.
“She is like a landmark, a beacon, a mom or a big sister”
, slips Gautier Capuçon who presented “Symphony for life” in his company.
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The great return of Julie Fuchs
Myriads of Christmas images glide across the vertical screens and along the stage, creating a festive enchantment.
Feverish but joyful, the young aspirants to the trophy are well aware of the chance that "Prodiges" offers them to play, sing or dance with sixty-five musicians from the
Divertimento orchestra.
by Zahia Ziouani to which are added the dancers of the ballet of the Winter Palace of Saint-Petersburg and the members of the Chœurs de Paris.
Composed of artists with international careers, the jury brings together the charismatic cellist Gautier Capuçon, historic juror and sponsor of the Orchester à l'école association;
Marie-Claude Pietragalla, star dancer, choreographer and creator of the Théâtre du Corps, who is entering her fifth season, and Julie Fuchs, soprano with three Classical Music Awards, who is making a comeback after giving up her place to Gaëlle Arquez.
Good energies and beautiful family values
“This stable date is a candy, my Christmas present. It makes the year sweet to me”
, launches happily Faustine Bollaert, presenter of “It starts today”.
“With
“Prodiges”
, I fill myself with good energies and beautiful values such as work, pleasure, audacity.
It is a virtuous program that arouses vocations and questions, a beautiful family program that allows you to discuss composers.
I am as much a spectator as an animator.
Last year, I was impressed by the young accordionist, in charge of this instrument with a somewhat outdated image.
I saw his triumph, I was very moved, I expect this same emotion.
»
A connection in the jury
Marie-Claude Pietragalla is delighted:
“Faustine and Julie spread a spirit of joy and enthusiasm, but within the jury, there is a connection, something unspeakable that sometimes strikes us, without our needing to exchange.
I would like to salute the work of the teachers and parents who encourage and support these children, it is essential!
Julie Fuchs insists on the benefits of practicing an instrument, singing or dancing:
"
Beyond artistic pleasure, children develop qualities of discipline, listening, adaptation, self-analysis, humility and relationship to others who serve throughout life.
"Prodigies"
is a reflection of today's classical universe with children from all walks of life, from all regions, developing several talents.
Their freshness, their carelessness in the face of their gift, is a chance.
I tell them: "Above all, don't listen to those who say you are great!"
»
.
Michel Eli, co-creator with Thierry Saïd of “Prodiges”, available in Spain and Italy, congratulates himself:
“Every year, I take a bath of youth.
The show has a social role.
It's so beautiful to see these hardworking children, well dressed, smiling and in love with their art.
We hope to one day come up with a “European Prodigy”.
»
From Beethoven to Elvis Presley
The five instrumentalists are respectively violinist, pianist, flautist, guitarist and trombonist.
The trombone, traditionally used to introduce the supernatural in an orchestra, is the lovely novelty of the season.
The dance category brings together children of similar ages while the singing category welcomes various profiles, even self-taught.
This gives the opportunity to hear Christmas carols, Brazilian rhythms, film music and even Elvis Presley in the middle of the great tunes of Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Handel, Franck, Shostakovich, Strauss, Beethoven or Albinoni.
Like every year, deciding between this small world is a challenge.
Gautier Capuçon specifies:
“Within the jury, experiencing the same emotions, the same evidence, is a good guide.
The feeling is different in front of a post and in the room where we perceive the energy of the candidate, it is all the magic of the live performance.
We then judge technique based on age and potential.
But beyond the tangible criteria, we are waiting for those rare moments that make us soar…”
The talent in the youngest
This year, young candidates really make credible the title of prodigy, which refers to early genius.
At the end of the evening, only nine candidates will reach the following week the grand finale of "Prodiges", Thursday, December 29 on France 2. They can hope, like Simon Lopez, to release an eponymous album at Warner Classics.
The 2021 winning clarinetist invited accordionist Maria and guitarist Paolo.
Next year, "Prodiges" will celebrate ten years of success after the first emblematic victory of Camille Berthollet, cellist violinist with fiery hair, who conquered hearts in 2014.
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