Melodies of love in Debussy concert

A performance at Buxton Festival will shine a light on the 
relationship between Debussy and his muse.
Debussy And His MuseDebussy And His Muse
Debussy And His Muse

Soprano Gillian Keith who has appeared several times in the festival and renowned pianist Simon Lepper will perform Debussy’s much loved melodies in the Pavilion Arts Centre on Thursday, July 23.

When an 18­-year­-old Debussy took a job as accompanist in the studio of fading diva Madame Moreau­Sainti, he fell in love with one of her most talented pupils, the enchanting Marie ­Blanche Vasnier.

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This green-­eyed muse, 14 years his senior, mother of two, and married to a well­respected civil engineer, sang her way into his heart, as hecharmed his way into the Vasnier household.

During this period of great happiness, creativity and self-­discovery, Debussy wrote nearly 40 songs, 27 of which were dedicated to Marie.

This programme of some of Debussy’s most ravishing Vasnier mélodies is presented within acompelling script written by Gillian Keith and directed by Nina Brazier.

Illuminated by extracts from diaries, letters and essays, it allows the audience a closer look into this extraordinary relationship.

Debussy and his Muse will be performed at 12noon on July 23. For tickets, contact www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

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