Once Upon a Time… Recitar Cantando, a masterclass in Paris

The École Normale de Musique de Paris and Les Talens Lyriques are launching a new partnership with a series of four events on Saturdays at the Salle Cortot in Paris. The events consist of a public masterclass by Christophe Rousset with students from the École Normale’s singing classes, followed by an hour-long concert with Les Talens Lyriques, with commentary by Christophe Rousset, who will present a specific feature or concept related to the repertoire performed.

These concerts, entitled ‘Il était une fois…’ (Once upon a time…), are open to all and are designed to provide a better understanding and interpretation of the works performed. The next event, ‘Il était Une Fois… le Recitar Cantando’ (Once upon a time… the Recitar Cantando), will take place at the Salle Cortot in Paris on Saturday 8 November 2025. This musical programme will showcase 17th-century Venetian opera, which at that time broke out of the aristocratic sphere to become accessible to the general public. This historical evolution will be illustrated by the works of Monteverdi and Cavalli, emblematic figures of Venetian music, as well as Neapolitan adaptations such as L’incoronazione di Poppea. Sisters Apolline and Thaïs Raï-Westphal will perform this exceptional Baroque repertoire.

Ø ‘Il était Une Fois… le Recitar Cantando’ at Salle Cortot Paris on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at 8:30 p.m.

Ø For more information: https://sallecortot.com/event/il-etait-une-fois-le-recitar-cantando/