Mon colonel
Laurent Claret has dramatised a series of letters written by a soldier to his great-grandfather who was a Colonel in the Dragoons during the First World War, between 1915 and 1919. His performance is a moving reminder of the chaotic events experienced by the soldier from front line to rear echelon, set to music with Philippe Defosse-Horridge on the bassoon.
Laurent Claret is a famous film actor (he has been directed by Woody Allen, Philippe Lioret and Romain Goupil). He has also worked in TV and theatre as an actor and director.
Philippe Defosse-Horridge divides his working time between concerts, teaching and composing. He has been teaching bassoon at the conservatorium in Bobigny since 1981 and has been the director of the joint municipal conservatorium in Aubergenville (Yvelines) since 1989.
A musical entitled Mon colonel (Yes, Colonel, Sir!) with actor Laurent Claret and composer and musician Philippe Defosse-Horridge on the bassoon. Photo: Didier Goudal.
A musical entitled Mon colonel (Yes, Colonel, Sir!) with actor Laurent Claret. Photo: Didier Goudal.
A musical entitled Mon colonel (Yes, Colonel, Sir!) with actor Laurent Claret and composer and musician Philippe Defosse-Horridge on the bassoon. Photo: Didier Goudal.
Trailer of Mon colonel, by Laurent Claret and Philippe Defosse-Horridge (in French).
Duration: 1 hr
Fare : 5€
Booking: evenement@memorial-verdun.fr or Events unit +33[0] 3 29 88 19 16 (switchboard).
Payment by cash or cheque only.
This performance is one of the six concerts scheduled for 2016 as part of the “Verdun, des musiques pour une bataille” (Verdun, Music for a Battle) programme. To mark the reopening of the museum, this programme of concerts will share with audiences the often unexpected or forgotten musical dimension of the First World War. The programme includes music written in or about Verdun, some of it “high-brow”, some popular in style e.g. chamber music, musical theatre, cabaret and songs sung by the soldiers. The concerts will also pay homage to the German music that continued to inspire classical musicians and composers serving in the armed forces. Belgian, British and Australian composers who lost their lives at the Front will also be included through a solemn commemoration in the form of an organ recital at the end of the programme. The performers, all of them well known in France and internationally, are particularly committed to the commemoration of the Great War in five subject areas – a new look at Verdun’s musical heritage, popular songs and shows, remembrance, passing on skills and knowledge and, lastly, commemoration.
