At 8 p.m., Paris and France will begin the final chapter of the Olympic and Paralympic episode, which began on July 26. For this closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, the Stade de France will put electronic music in the spotlight, with 24 DJs taking turns on different stages.
“It’s about ending by saying that Paris is a party and celebrating electro music, a style that France knows how to do,” explains this Sunday on RMC, in Anaïs MorningVictor Le Masne, musical director of the ceremonies. The cauldron of the flame at the Tuileries will be extinguished and then “it will be a party”, promised artistic director Thomas Jolly.
>> Follow the events of the last day of the Paralympic Games live
Jean-Michel Jarre, pioneer of electro music
Headlining this Sunday evening is Jean-Michel Jarre, 76 years old. “A no-brainer,” assures Victor Le Masne, who pays tribute to the “pioneer of electronic music in France and around the world.” “I am very proud and honored that he accepted the invitation.”
Alongside him, among others, we can cite Kavinsky, Martin Solveig, Cassius, Kungs, Tatyana Jane… The “French Touch” is given pride of place in its “diversity and plurality”, explains the musical director of the ceremonies, who indicates that he has divided the artists by stage, including one that will be called “French Touch” but also another named “Radio Star”.
Victor Le Masne wants to offer spectators this plethora of artists “united by sound”, which draws a parallel between “this wave that takes turns like a torch relay”. “It’s living heritage”, summarizes Thomas Jolly, artistic director of the Olympic Games ceremonies, to AFP. “Celebrating it is not only festive but, in addition, it is a part of our cultural history.”
Artists disappointed not to participate
Asked about the absence of David Guetta, who had expressed his disappointment at not having participated in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, Victor Le Masne assured: “It’s a scheduling problem, I would have loved to but it’s not possible, he has a concert in Germany.”
The same goes for Indochine – the group released its new album on September 7 – which mocked in Le Parisien, through its singer Nicola Sirkis, in Le Parisien, “not being part of this Parisian group, France Inter, Télérama. I think they didn’t even think of us.”
“I really like Indochine, I have immense respect for them,” replies Victor Le Masne, who admits having had to “make choices”, having to “integrate each musical choice with the narration” written by Thomas Joly. The musical director confirms, not without humor, that he has not been contacted by these disgruntled artists.
Victor Le Masne is also obviously a composition that has continued to resonate and engage the crowds during each event, namely the official anthem of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A popular music, to the point that a college in Villeurbanne decided to use it as its ringtone! Problem, the piece is not always on music platforms, to the great displeasure of its fans. “We’re almost there, it should arrive very soon”, he assures, without however being able to give a precise date.
The party is not over for good, a final hurrah will be held next Saturday with the parade of French athletes on the Champs-Elysées. Victor Le Masne will once again be at the musical controls. “The idea is to celebrate those who made the Games, athletes, volunteers… It will be a great show and we will remember everything we experienced, it will be a great moment”, he promises.
- RMC Sport