Evenings Out in Paris: Jazz at the Philharmonie

Paris’s newest, sleekest music hall, the Philharmonie de Paris, is nestled in the north-east’s Parc de la Villette and its premier season is set to kick off with a bang. Inspired by the Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts produced by American impresario Norman Granz between the 1940s and the 1980s, which were first held at Los Angeles’ Philharmonic Auditorium, Jazz at the Philharmonie will feature some of the best names on today’s scene, from young talent to established acts.

Eric Legnini is on piano and will be joined by Biréli Lagrène on guitar, Stefano Di Battista and Joe Lovano on saxophone, plus other guests, for a special performance which sweeps into town for ‘one night only’. Like the legendary jam sessions of decades ago, Jazz at the Philharmonie is about exposing the music to a wider audience – getting it out of smoky basement clubs and into prestigious concert venues.

Punters will be able to soak up the sounds in the Philharmonie’s brand new symphonic hall, or grande salle, a state of the art auditorium that’s said to “envelop” audiences and provide them with an intimate listening experience.

Philharmonie de Paris, February 12, 8.30pm, Tickets €22-€40, Tel: +33 1 44 84 44 84

From France Today magazine