A BEAUTIFUL (CROATIAN) EVENING IN PARIS

by Brian Gallagher

Hrvatski Vjesnik (Australia) The New Generation English Supplement No.172

2 November 2001

 

A remarkable concert was held in Paris on 26 October - a lovely moonlit evening - by the female vocalist group "Dialogos" directed by Katarina Livljanic. The concert was of Croatian Mediaeval Glagolitic/Gregorian chants at St. Louis church, near Notre Dame cathedral.

By fortuitous coincidence, I happened to be visiting France that weekend and took the opportunity to attend. The church was a glorious and splendid venue - worth a visit in its own right. An entirely appropriate setting for the concert.

The Seven singers gave a magnificent performance. Their beautiful voices were enhanced by the excellent acoustics of the church. The whole event went down extremely well with the highly appreciative audience. There were a number of encores, even appearing to delay the traditional presentation of bouquets to these gifted women.

The audience seemed to number more than 200. An excellent turn out. Many seemed to be French - I suppose it is Paris. The French bourgeoisie were clearly out in force. You can certainly recognise them! The venue and the music combined beautifully, giving an appearance of synthesis of French and Croatian culture and history. This emphasis and linkage of Croatian history as part of West European culture can only be for the good. This casual assertion is an excellent example to others - as opposed to continual rants about "We are part of Europe!" which always seems a bit odd to Western ears.

Events such as these are important in many ways. They introduce and promote Croatia to others, as well as providing a way for Croats in France to introduce their friends to Croatian culture. Indeed, I myself took along a fellow Englishman to view the event. The beneficial effects of such events must never be underestimated - and must always be supported.

I learnt of the event via CroWorldNet, highlighting the importance of Croatian email networks.

Finally, I hope Dialogos comes to London. In the meantime, I shall content myself with their CD of Croatian/Italian mediaeval sacred music "Terra Adriatica".

© Brian Gallagher