Presentation
Conversation with David Théodoridès
Sinfonia en Périgord | Presentation
Sinfonia en Périgord... a lively rhythm
Sinfonia en Périgord has composed the music of its success through hard work and passion. Its work is presently known and respected outside of Dordogne. It has attracted the finest artists who perform every August in venues that are symbolic of the past, for the ears and eyes of a captivated audience.
The work draws its source of inspiration from the vast world of baroque music, and it perpetually evolves, since time is a source of maturity, depth and experience. Its ultimate goal is to allow audiences to experience emotion and to ask questions.
Sinfonia en Périgord has also established a regular season, thereby showcasing the finest in classical and baroque music.
Sinfonia en Périgord | Conversation with David Théodoridès
Conversation with David Théodoridès, General and Artistic Director of Sinfonia en Périgord
How was Sinfonia en Périgord established and developed?
Sinfonia en Périgord stemmed from the desire of music-loving friends to express and share their passion for classical music with others by listening to music on weekends. Over the years, the group expanded. Their project was equally successful: the Festival evolved, lasting for ten days at the end of every August. It seemed more logical to condense this time period. In this way, we envisioned the Festival as a future meeting point for the finest upcoming and established performers in baroque music today. We invited the audience to experience the great works of the repertoire in an intimate setting, and also to discover the unknown treasures of the genre which continues to reinvent itself.
Presently, the image of Sinfonia en Périgord is a living room with a fire in the hearth, in the company of friends and music. It is equally an important event in French music that is known and acknowledged by baroque music lovers.
What allowed Sinfonia en Périgord to make its mark on the French music scene that continues to flourish?
The response obviously lies in the patrons who come from all corners of France and yearly increase in number. What is the formula of success for the event? Perhaps, it stems from our sincere approach, or certainly from the appeal of Périgord, the skill of the guest artists, the works performed and the Festival venues. Whatever the reason, our only concern is to maintain our high standards and remain genuine in our approach without diverting from our only objective in promoting this event : our excessive love for music and those that keep music alive.
Sinfonia en Périgord has rooted itself in Dordogne. Is this due to circumstance or a well-informed decision?
Certainly, it's because of circumstance. Nevertheless Périgord, especially the Périgueux region, offers the ideal setting for enjoying music. This region has an extraordinary, natural richness stemming from its history and cultural heritage: anything was possible here - from Lascaux to Sarlat, Montaigne to La Boétie. Its history is still being written. Périgord is not an isolated or enclosed area as one would believe, but an open, dynamic, resourceful region that today attracts the film industry, innovative firms and visitors in large numbers. Sinfonia en Périgord has made here its home perhaps because Périgord is also and particularly a land of culture.
Who has kept Sinfonia en Périgord active during the past 18 years?
Sinfonia en Périgord supporters are anonymous, coming from different walks of life and voluntarily investing more than they should, to create a musical event that is convivial and of a high standard. Sinfonia en Périgord supporters are the artists who, since its debut, have agreed to join us in sometimes less than ideal conditions, but who have excused our mistakes in light of our sincerity that has propelled us and helped us to make progress. More so today, Sinfonia en Périgord supporters are those who, over the years have trusted us: government authorities, partners, sponsors and those who allowed music to flourish by welcoming us to their churches, museums and castles. Sinfonia en Périgord supporters are the patrons of course, who continue to make this event a complete success annually.
What does the future hold for Sinfonia en Périgord?
We are working fervently so that Sinfonia en Périgord will become an "Aquitaine centre for baroque revival". Through great effort and passion, the Festival has become a meeting place for artists of all generations who are led by the sole desire and pleasure of presenting this repertoire in a dynamic and innovative way. Every year our invited artists integrate the legacy of their predecessors, but also take a modern approach in their search for new combinations and interpretations. We also want Sinfonia en Périgord to actively implement policies for assisting youth education, achieved through the Sinfonia Youth Group. We indeed believe, more than ever, that it is necessary to establish links between generations and to constantly replenish the pool of young artists. In this vein, we may revive our Competition project created a few years ago due to the lack of motivated competitors. We are planning to expand this project, by permanently linking the Youth Group and Competition projects: with the Youth Group providing support and the Competition serving as a means for showcasing artists' music, we will be able to offer young professionals a shot at real success. Similarly, we wish to extensively include amateurs, which will give young artists the opportunity to perform at new venues during the Festival and on the official programme. All these are dreams that can be realized, but only with the support of new partners.