The inauguration of Notre-Dame de Paris on December 7 promises to be one of the most prestigious events of the year. Five years after the fire, this monument inseparable from Paris will finally reopen.
Donald Trump and Joe Biden will rub shoulders with crowned heads and heads of state, while Lang Lang, the Capuçon brothers and Angélique Kidjo will perform in an exceptional concert broadcast on television.
An audience of heads of state and personalities for Notre-Dame de Paris
The Élysée and the Quai d'Orsay have prepared a list of around a hundred international personalities, as reported by Europe 1. Among the distinguished guests are Joe Biden and Donald Trump, but also King Charles III, King Felipe VI , King Mohammed VI, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Prominent religious figures are also invited, such as the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Michael Dolan, and the Archbishop of Constantinople, Bartholomew I.
An exceptional concert in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris
The evening of December 7 will be marked by a two-hour concert broadcast on France 2 from 9 p.m. The Capuçon brothers, particularly attached to the cathedral, will be there. Gautier Capuçon had already performed in the building during the 2020 Christmas holidays, after the fire.
“There will be very great artists of international renown”had promised Philippe Jost, responsible for catering. A promise kept with the confirmed presence of pianist Lang Lang, violinist Yo-Yo Ma and Beninese star Angélique Kidjo. Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji is also expected.
Negotiations are reportedly underway with Paul McCartney, Garou (who played Quasimodo in the musical Notre-Dame de Paris) and Clara Luciani, reports Le Parisien.
Notre-Dame, a transformed and more accessible cathedral
“We will see Notre-Dame Cathedral like we have never seen it”underlines Olivier Josse, secretary general of the cathedral. “Never in its 860 years of history has it been completely restored.” To manage the expected influx of 40,000 daily visitors, i.e. “twice the daily crowds at the Palace of Versailles or the Louvre Museum”, a new online reservation system will be put in place at the beginning of December. “Our responsibility is to ensure a hassle-free, smooth and comfortable experience for visitors and devotees”, explains Olivier Josse.
The cathedral will also offer a mobile application in three languages, then eventually six, and a new tour circuit.
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