24 April 2007

Basilique Saint-Michel


Here you see the facade of the Eglise Saint-Michel. A fine example of the talent of 17th-C. Ligurian architects, this Basilica surveys the Old Town, which itself forms a baroque neighbourhood. Inside, trompe-l'oeil paintings signed by Cerrutti-Maori adorn the central vault, and a purplish Genoese damask, brought out on special occasions, emphasizes the building's baroque style.

Each August we have the music festival in Menton which is held most evenings in the paved area outside this lovely church. Concerts range from classic to jazz and always with wondrously talented musicians. Last year Daniel Baremboim's West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, played one night. This orchestra of young Israeli and Palestinian musicians was created, I believe, through the friendship of Israeli conductor and pianist, Baremboim and the late Palestinian-born writer, Edward Said.

6 comments:

  1. looks like a beautiful place to spend an evening while listening to fine music!

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  2. this is lovely - the music festival sounds idyllic - you are so lucky!

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  3. The campanile of Saint-Michel takes my breath away when I see photos of it, especially with the sea in the background. What a place to listen to music!

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  4. An imposing structure! How're the acoustics?

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  5. Nice perspective...I love architecture anyway...

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