Washington is one of the world’s most beautiful cities where one can feel all four seasons of the year; somehow Luxembourg culture finds a way to add to the beauty in each season there - this year Washingtonians were lucky to enjoy two fantastic cultural events back-to-back on some of the most wonderful autumn evenings.
Finding talented artists is an art itself. The Embassy Series, led by Jerome Barry – known to some as the most interesting man in Washington - has developed almost a scientific way of presenting world-class artists to the audiences in Washington. Together the artists and the Luxembourg Embassy in Washington never miss a beat. By partnering with the Embassy Series, the Luxembourg Embassy presented Raphael Sévère, a clarinetist of amazing talent. This truly star performer mesmerised the audience from all backgrounds in a great ambiance of the finest wood panelled room in Washington.
ResMuscia has said that Raphael Sévère is "destined for the most brilliant future, gifted with astonishing technical mastery and astounding musicality.” It is said that after making his concerto debut at age 11 with the Beijing Opera Orchestra, Mr. Sévère’s budding career took off when he won five international competitions at age 12. Together with the brilliant pianist Paul Morgan, he charmed the audience with the music by Alexander Borodin, Witold Lutostawski, Claude DeBussy, Alban Berg and Leornard Bernstein.
Both artists played so well that it was hard to decide on the favourite piece of music. But, what was easy to know was the venue of the beautiful Luxembourg Embassy was perfect for the music, the food and the wonderful weather in Washington. Each time, H.E. Ambassador Jean-Louis Wolzfeld, assisted by Ms. Elisabeth Herndler and the able staff, make the guests feel at home, stay longer and want to come back again. It must be an art to be studied like music, perhaps.
During Luxembourg's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Luxembourg charmed music-lovers in Washington by presenting the “Konection Trio” who played a mix of their own compositions and well known Jazz standards arranged in a fresh and modern way. This was done a day earlier at the EU Embassy as part of the “Conversations in Culture” – a hugely popular event amongst the patrons of arts and culture in Washington because the tickets sometimes run out faster than hot-cakes. According to the EU website, “the unique sound of the trio is created through a high level of improvisation and the perfect blending mix of vibes, guitar, and double bass.”
Were the music lovers in heaven or what? And, they were all thanking the Embassy of Luxembourg in Washington.
Photo by Morris Simon
