The Society Theodore Gouvy

Ever since Konrad Adenauer and Charles Gaulle signed the Elysée Treaty on January 22nd, 1963, there has been a lively cultural exchange between Germany and France. The importance of such a vibrant cooperation between artists, ensembles and cultural institutions of the members of the European Union is an intentional political process and will continue to grow in the future. It was this context that gave rise to the project called the “Théodore Gouvy Society”. Our goal is to perform and promote both German and French chamber music, vocal or instrumental by means of cooperation between musicians from both countries. The society encourages German and French artists to dedicate themselves to creating a podium that will foster the development of young musicians and singers from France and Germany alike. Non-professional musicians and singers are given a chance to make music together with professional artists. These common activities and performances by artists of both nations under the auspices of the Théodore Gouvy Society aid the development of mutual understanding, trust and consolidation between Germany and France. The composer Théodore Gouvy was chosen as a guiding figure for the Society because his life and musical work in a time of high political tension that ended in the Franco-Prussian war (1870-1871), were influenced by German and French culture alike and therefore are characterized by an atmosphere of international understanding. The Franco-German Théodore Gouvy Society sees one of its assignments in preserving and promoting Gouvy’s musical legacy within the scope of Franco-German cultural exchanges.

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Functions of the  Society Theodore Gouvy

The Franco-German Théodore Gouvy Society sees one of its assignments in preserving and promoting Gouvy’s musical legacy within the scope of Franco-German cultural exchanges. Gouvy’s significance for Saxony and Germany, and the historical meaning of this part of his life, is particularly important to us. The Society organizes instrumental and vocal chamber music activities with an emphasis on works that feature or are based on typical “Franco-German” aspects. We aim towards organizing about 30 concerts annually, each of which has a surprising program drawn from the rich diversity of French and German instrumental, vocal, choral, and chamber music. The programs can be grouped around a literary theme. The Society aims towards organizing about 30 concerts annually, each of which has a surprising program drawn from the rich diversity of French and German instrumental, vocal, choral, and chamber music. The programs can be grouped around a literary theme. Also planned is a training program for singers who wish to improve their chances of employment in a professional chorus. The program combines regular rehearsals, which cover a variety of opera and a capella repertoire, with voice lessons and instruction in foreign languages. Singers who have completed the program are invited to continue to work together as a chamber choir.

(translation: Naomi Shamban)