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THE CHOPIN PROJECT IN PARIS

Dear World! My name is Elina Akselrud, I am a classical pianist and a photographer. Currently I am collaborating with the amazing actor Nathanaël Bez  on a very special project - a research/performance piece on the Parisian Years of Frederic Chopin. This event is more than a concert, it interweaves at least three art genres:

♪ The solo piano performance of Chopin's music.
♪ Theatrical readings of Chopin's letters, and poems by Polish poets of his time.
♪ Photographs and short video clips of Chopin's Parisian life, which include his pianos, manuscripts, personal belongings, portraits, routes, and more.

The piano performance, photography, and the script are done by me. The readings are taken over by Nathanaël.

"Chopin: A letter through the Parisian years" is a reflection upon the human condition: Human beings, qua artists, must create in order to live meaningfully; of which Chopin most faithfully manifested. Each time a new piece is given birth to, it leaves the creator and inhabits the souls of others. Thereafter it lives in the hearts of the audiences, ever-growing and ever-inspiring. No matter how hard life's obstacles may seem, one must create and, therefore, bloom eternally. And thus, the creation of an artwork is the most beautiful occurrence in the Universe, making it all the more meaningful with each passing moment.

There are two further related themes that we would like to emphasise in our work. The first is Chopin’s complex personality, which is not always illustrated by the performers or perceived by the audiences. This is important since Chopin’s personality shows his awareness of the necessity to create in order to give meaning to life. Moreover, this portrayal asks the audiences to reflect upon their often neglected inner selves, via seeing Chopin as fundamentally a human being struggling for a purpose in life, and realising that purpose via the act of creating.

The second theme is the importance of remembering the past and its ideals. This importance is seen in Chopin’s letters, music, his life, his personality. They powerfully expressed the most intimate aspects of being human. Chopin’s legacy thus teaches us that from past examples, we may better understand our own desires, thoughts, actions. Furthermore, we must remember the ideal of the past in order to remember what we are fighting for; what we are working for; what we are living for. The answer is art. We do not work, learn, invent new tools merely for their own sake, but as ways to a better, a more meaningful life. Yet, after thousands of years of civilisation, we have began to gradually loose sight of what we really wanted deep within our hearts. I hope that via an integration of Chopin’s music with the other, and usually less attended to aspects of his life, we may all keep with us something truly valuable.


Click for the full presentation of the Chopin Project

This work will be developed, finished, and performed at the Grand Salon of the Foundation of the United States in Paris  on APRIL 1, 2016. We are incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to perform in this wonderful venue and cannot wait to share this experience with you!

However, turning this project into a great show with professional production and a DVD recording would be impossible without your help. We truly hope that you will participate in the creation of this work and we will be more than happy to send you a gift after we accomplish this adventure! Below is the list of what is needed in order to bring this performance to life in the best possible way and it requires funding, which we are now seeking:

* Projector to display the visuals - [$1100] - will be provided by FEUSA to use for the premiere!
* Mapping, rendering & compositing - $600
* Visual projection, lighting & sound effects assistants - $750
* Props/decorations - $200
* Publicity, advertisement & marketing - $600
* Designing & printing posters, flyers & programs - $800
* Sound recording, post production & mastering - $1300
* Videography & photography (3-5 cameras) - $1600
* DVD production - $2000
* Piano tuning & services - [$500] - was offered complimentary by Philippe Jolly!!!
* Reception- $600
* Miscellaneous - $500
* GoFundMe fee - 8% of each donation
* Currency conversion fee (USD-EUR) - 3%
* Pays for artists – THE REST

We will be immensely grateful for any donation and we ask you to kindly share this information with your friends. Of course, please make sure that your name is on the list of our supporters in the program of the performance!

[If for any reason you would not like your name to be printed in the program and would prefer to remain anonymous, please kindly indicate it as a note when making your donation.]

Please read the donation benefits, since we will make sure to thank every one who helps us ! (Please note that the last three levels include live performances, which are to be scheduled on mutually agreeable dates with travel/lodging expenses for artists covered by the donor.)

 THANK YOU !!!
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Donations 

  • FEUSA Paris
    • $225 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
  • Igor Akselrud
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
  • Elena Konstantynova
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

Elina Akselrud
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY

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