Salon Musical | Marc Verter

Salon Musical is a series of shows combining music and theatre which recreate the social gatherings that took place in fin de siècle Paris and many other European capitals at this period.
Such events brought together musicians, artists, philosophers, poets and social figures and the centre of the evening was frequently a musical programme. These salons were a crucible for emerging musicians and talented young composers alongside favourites. The hostesses of these gatherings were often amateur musicians themselves who played or sang and became famous for their hospitality and patronage.
    
The show was created by pianist Marc Verter who has studied Nineteenth century song and poetry as part of his doctoral studies. Passionate about the culture of that period, Marc has sought to bring the spirit of nineteenth century Parisian salons to modern audiences.  The show aims to create contemporary classical music platforms which overcome the all too often experienced feeling of the audience / performer divide.

This programme includes a cast of musicians and actors and showcases the beautiful classical music that attendees at such soirees would have enjoyed. All the performers play characters from the period and link the pieces with spoken dialogue. Performers engage with audience members throughout the evening to create a relaxed, informal and intimate social gathering very much in the vein of the musical soirees of the period.

The show was developed with the help of director Bridgitta Roy and tenor Daniel Turner. It has been launched at st Botolph’s church in the city of London and has been performed at the Polish Club (South Kensington), Chelsea Arts Club and the National Portrait Gallery in 2015. Bookings for 2016 include the French Institute (March), 22 Mansfield street concert series and the Cooper Hall in Somerset (in association with the Frome Festival).  

Participation in the Guildhall School’s Creative Entrepreneur Scheme has enabled Marc to focus on and define his target audience, create a vision, prepare a business plan, given useful tools to market this unique of show and develop useful contacts.