With Lily Smith

Lily Smith is a French-American opera singer, (soprano), born in Paris and now based in Boston. She has performed a wide range of roles in both contemporary and classical repertoires. Lily also organizes an annual recital series, with performances in Los Angeles, Durham, and Paris, and plans to expand to Dakar and Charlottesville in 2025. Click to learn more about Lily..

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recital in Normandy ’23

PHOTO credit: Patrick Robert

The spring concert in Normandy in 2023 was a wonderful event for classical music lovers, combining the beauty of nature with musical artistry. On this evening, the blooming landscapes added to the sense of harmony and comfort, while grateful listeners were immersed in the world of great musical works.

PHOTO credit: ri.photography___

The program opened with the delicate aria “Quando m’en vo” from Puccini’s La Bohème, revealing the emotional depth of the melodies and expressing the protagonist’s feelings. Next was the aria “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi, captivating with its lightness and elegance. The performance left no listener indifferent, thanks to its incredible sensitivity and refinement.

PHOTO credit: Patrick Robert

The second part of the concert featured one of the most famous arias from Bizet’s Carmen, conveying the drama, temperament, and emotional tension of the opera. The audience was then mesmerized by works from French composer Francis Poulenc, particularly Banalités, which amazed with their poetic depth and vivid imagery, created by the brilliant musical language.

PHOTO credit: Patrick Robert

The final section of the concert was dedicated to the works of great classical composers. Aria from Faust by Gounod revealed themes of beauty and dreaminess, while the closing pieces by Schubert immersed the listeners in deep emotions and reflections on nature and love.

The concert ended on a high note, leaving the audience inspired and grateful for a wonderful journey through the world of music.

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