The concert-going public in France’s capital is known to be spoiled with a wealth of cultural attractions, but people flocked to the venue to witness the more than 200 musicians and singers perform one of the most challenging and complicated works in the academic music world.
The hall exploded into a eight-minute-long ovation afterwards.
“I come here to concerts a lot and can confirm that these kinds of ovations happen very, very rarely. This was a special evening!” gushed local audience member Perina Roussau.
Soloist Ošesja Petrova echoed the sentiment on her part.
“Everything turned out wonderfully. A grand theatre, fantastic orchestra, wonderful choir, great soloists, the maestro (conductor Andris Poga). Divine music, it all came together so well.”
Marina Bovera, a French arts management leader, had this to say:
“People left the hall in tears and that is thanks to (conductor) Andris. He’s frugal, like any great musician, but he gave the orchestra and singers an impulse that I believe is a triumph for your country.”