© Marie ETCHEGOYEN – France Télévisions
Broadcast this Thursday, December 19 successfully on France 2, the kickoff of the 11th edition of the major competition dedicated to the lyrical arts and classical Music revealed some surprises and shows once again that it is possible to create something beautiful , even around entertainment.
No clashes, no sulphurous exchanges, no rudeness, even less vulgarity. Little buzz in fact the day after the broadcast of the first bonus of the show. There is something in “Prodigies” that the public does not or hardly finds elsewhere. A form of tenderness, of respect for others and for the viewer which is not only due to the youth and talent of the participants, but to the very principle of the show, less centered, and this is rare, on the personalities of the competitors only on what they are there for.
Of course, there are false notes and missteps. Of course, there are tears of joy and disappointment. Of course, there are parents or teachers who provide feedback from behind the scenes. And of course, there is the talent of Faustine Bollaert, at the helm of the program for almost 4 years, to create connections and emotion. “Prodiges”, however, and this is its genius, is undoubtedly one of the most joyful and soothing entertainments on the French audiovisual landscape for a long time.
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Music softens morals. Kindness too. The young people parade on stage, prodigious. The orchestra accompanies them. The scene, framed by fir trees sumptuously decorated for Christmas, shines. Adults are elegant. The audience applauds. This first semi-final, also known as the “Grand Christmas Ball”, is a success. A bit outdated, some might say. So pleasant to see and hear, to the eyes and ears of others.
Raphaël, 9 years old, played a famous piece by Shostakovich on the saxophone, under the amazed eyes of Faustine Bollaert, the godfather of the edition Sofiane Pamart, the jurors Gautier Capuçon, Julie Fuchs and Marie-Claude Pietragalla. Melinda, 11 years old, captivated the crowds with the delicacy of a perfectly calibrated choreography… The 24 young people, aged 9 to 15, performed in succession with charm. Last year, 16-year-old classical dancer Charlie won the competition. We don’t yet know who will take over.
The second semi-final will be broadcast on December 16. The final is scheduled for January 2.
France
