“LE MIROIR“ - Je t’aime

- Je t’aime - Rick Allison: composer - singer Rick Allison Official website Borislav Strulev - cello special project : “LE MIROIR“ “LE MIROIR“ The cultural dialogue between Russia and France dates back to the established diplomatic relations in 1717, when Emperor Peter I opened a window to Europe and the two countries developed a kinship that to this day remains a duet of mutual admiration and inspiration. The adoption of the French language as the language of conversation and correspondence by the nobility encouraged access to French literature in the 18th and 19th centuries. From Alexander Pushkin’s affinity with the French culture, to Catherine the Great’s remarkable friendship with Voltaire, the epitome of the Russian adoption of French ballet as ballet russe, this bond has extended into the Soviet and post-Soviet era. Both French and Russian poetic and musical accents are truly distinct, while Russian composers were inspired by French music, with traces of sensibility, coloration, and lyricism, and the depth of Russian poetry and literature had achieved great recognition in France. The household names of Vladimir Vysotsky (coincidentally married to Marina Vlady, French comedienne and singer of Russian descent), Patricia Kaas, Vladimir Nabokov, Alexandre Dumas, to name but a few have become household names in both France and Russia regardless of their cultural of origin. The uniqueness of this bi-cultural experience on the modern stage offered by Le Miroir is unprecedented. Here is just a glimpse of what will be an unforgettable night—a musical journey through cultures, history and time. The very title of the show, Le Miroir (The Mirror), encompasses a one-of-a-kind concept of a reflection in the mirror that offers a lateral inversion of the mirrored image. Each fragment of the mirror represents a different song, a different story told in their own words stemming from the hearts of two performers representing these contrasting but at the same time kindred cultures—cultures with remarkable histories that reflect one another as binaries—France and Russia, Russia and France. It is no coincidence that the artists who have created this unique concept—Rick Allison and Tinatin Japaridze—are also distinct both vocally and culturally, and yet they mirror one another, artistically and creatively with a shared passion for the classic French and Russian songbooks. They not only grace these legendary songs with their signature performances, incomparable interpretations that have never been heard before, but have also created original lyrical adaptations especially for Le Miroir. Each song is a jewel in the franco-russe crown, deeply engraved in the souls of millions, but this time presented with a unique take on the lyrics and memorable performances offered by Rick and Tinatin. Two vocalists, a grand piano, a symphonic orchestra, and special guests featured on the one outstanding night that both music lovers and admirers of these two great cultures cannot miss!