THE NIGHTINGALE AND THE EMPEROR OF CHINA

Musics by Vincent Bouchot, Ravel, Cappus, de Bousset

A musical tale in shadow and light. The ensemble La Rêveuse reimagines Andersen’s tale with early instruments and shadow puppetry. A poetic and enchanting journey for young and old alike.

A nightingale who has charmed even the Emperor of China sees his world turned upside down when one day, a mechanical bird is preferred to his song… La Rêveuse offers a new interpretation of Andersen’s tale, brought to life with paper silhouettes by Cécile Hurbault, a specialist in Asian shadow theater. These figures evolve to the sounds of French Baroque music, where we hear not only the theorbo but also the voices of long-forgotten instruments once cherished by 18th-century bird lovers—flutes and bird flageolets. A poetic reflection to share as a family, to question our relationship with life and music.

This concert is performed on period instruments.