Organizers pledge to diversify ‘Le French May’ line-up

Arnaud Barthelemy

Bringing cultural events to Macau and Hong Kong between today and June 30, ‘Le French May’ returns this year with organizers pledging to further diversify the Macau program within the next three years. The line-up features a classical musical performance by counter-tenor Sebastien Fournier & Sprezzatura Ensemble, as well as a video exhibition organized in cooperation with the Macau Museum of Art.
The Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Arnaud Barthelemy, alongside Andrew Yuen, chairman of the board of Le French May, presented the program for this year’s events here.
Le French May, which was first held in Hong Kong back in 1993, features about 120 events, with most performances and activities taking place in Hong Kong, where a large French community is established.
Andrew Yuen said that Le French May’s program extension to Macau has been progressively diversified. But organizers are hoping to further extend the offerings here within three years, by bringing more prominent artists and performances.
This year, the event aims to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the reign of King Francis the first, a time which was recognized for promoting “a very French style in architecture and art called ‘the French Renaissance.’” Organizers said that under the title “1515–2015 – Essentially French,” the 23rd Le French May will promote the innovative spirit of French painters, choreographers, sculptors, dancers, singers and filmmakers.
In Macau, counter-tenor Sebastien Fournier will perform on May 15 at the University of Macau’s Student Activity Center Theatre. Admission to the concert is free of charge.
The contemporary dance performance “Lied Ballet” takes the stage at the Macau Cultural Center this Friday and Saturday (May 1 and 2). Directed by Thomas Lebrun, the performance includes lied and ballet, two of the most important artistic expressions during the first half of the 18th century.
A video installation by Robert Cahen, one of France’s most renowned video artists, will be on display at the Macau Museum of Art (MAM) between June 27 and September 20. The exhibition showcases 17 works by the French artist, and intends on “taking viewers on a journey of ‘time’ and exploring a brand new unknown space through slow-motion illusion,” MAM said in a press release.
Le French May will also travel to City of Dreams (Soho) as seven artists will showcase a bit of the French culture by offering the audience music and street performances on May 14. Gypsy-jazz-style musicians known as “Gadjo Station” will also perform at Soho on May 8 and 22. The group is known for its Romanian roots, blended while in Paris with American blues and jazz influences.
A French Film Festival will also be held at UA Galaxy Cinemas between May 29 and June 4. It includes Jean-Jacques Annaud’s latest film, “Wolf Totem”, “Renoir” directed by Gilles Bourdos, “Saint Laurent” by Bertrand Bonello, “Serial (Bad) Weddings” by Philippe de Chauveron and the “Finishers” by Nils Tavernier, among other French films. Prices range from MOP90 to MOP120.
An exhibition focusing on heritage will be on display at the Macau Museum between May 30 and August 30 to demonstrate how Chinese style influenced French design. Titled “From Lorient to the Orient,” it features diverse items such as textiles, costumes, oil paintings, prints and porcelain, which belong to famous French museums.
This year, Le French May is collaborating with the Macau Arts Festival to bring five French performances, including the contemporary dance “Lied Ballet,” theatre performances and another exhibition (“At the Risk of Color” by Claude Viallat and Franck Chalendard).
Furthermore, Le French May arts festival also features gastronomy-related events, with cuisine and wine from the Midi-
Pyrenees region being presented in various Macau restaurants.
The Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Arnaud Barthelemy, explained that the festival’s program has been designed taking into account not only France’s cultural scene, but also reflects upon what local institutions would prefer.
“We have a cultural department inside the consulate, and they know the French cultural scene so they are in a position to identify [what artists and performances] we should bring here. But we also want to cooperate with local associations and meet the needs of local institutions,” he stressed.