10 Things About Alice Simpson & Le Salon de Musiques

“In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no one sees you but sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.”- Rumi, 12th C.

Le Salon de Musiques, under the direction of French-American concert pianist François Chouchan, provides a late afternoon’s oasis of quiet contemplation of the extraordinary beauty of chamber music. The music of the nine performances is tonal and romantic – stunningly clear and close. Inspired by Queen Marie Antoinette’s Salon de Musique in Versailles and Schubert’s Schubertiaden in Vienna, François creates a unique musical conversation with his audience.

A loyal subscriber and supporter of Le Salon de Musiques, Alice Simpson’s whimsical handmade books, sculptures and writing are influenced by music, theater and dance. In addition to teaching drawing and design, Simpson’s debut novel “Ballroom” was published by Harper Collins in 2015.

10 Things About Alice Simpson & Le Salon de Musiques

#1 I grew up in New York, New York.

#2 I love my morning coffee, croissant, newspapers and MUSIC.

#3 For more than twenty years, I have been striving to master Argentine tango.

#4 When I have time, I put on lipstick, earrings and catch up with old friends on Zoom.

#5 Throughout the past year – with video performances of music, theater and dance, interviews, tours, lectures and even hands-on workshops – the artistic community found ways to keep this Audience Of One engaged with astonishing ingenuity.

#6 Miss GINGER Snap is a Wire-haired Fox Terrier and whirling dervish.

#7 In the intimacy of this setting, and without the usual boundaries between musicians and audience, the distinct sounds of the instruments and the music stirs memories. Le Salon de Musiques fills me with joy.

#8 If you love classical music as I do – if you have ever attended a chamber music concert – you know that there is a magical moment when the musicians enter the room, and a beautiful silence as they take up their instruments. They gather their breath, catch one another’s gaze, nod ever so slightly, and then begin to play.

#9 A musicologist with knowledge of the lives of the composers has told us what to expect, what to listen for. With a Romantic/Neo-Romantic and Impressionist Repertoire – whether Schubert, Beethoven, Schumann, Debussy, or the unfamiliar Scharwenka – it is certain this will be an emotional surprise to inspire contemplation and reminiscences.

#10 When the music ends, champagne arrives, and the musicians answer questions about their process, experience and the music. I am always eager to discover the ages of the artists’ instruments – some as early as 17th century. An elegant French buffet follows, providing the opportunity to make new friends and mix with the musicians.

Le Salon de Musiques
Grand Opening of 2021-22 Music Series
Sunday, September 26, 2021
4 – 6:30 pm
La Jolla Woman’s Club
www.lesalondemusiques.com