“It added a tremendously interesting extra dimension to have the paintings executed as we sang. The smell of the oil was a tangible reminder of the context of the music we were singing; music does not stand alone historically and indeed is both a product of and influence upon all other artistic endeavour at the time of its composition.”
Susanna Fairbairn
“The dramatically beautiful, isolated environment at Las Canals is unique; as a singer, it allowed me to intensify my focus on technique and expression, and to involve myself in the music more deeply than would otherwise have been possible. Being observed by the two painters in rehearsal and performance had a new effect as well: as an ensemble, both the singers and instrumentalists experienced a heightened awareness of the process by which we were creating art together. After each session we were able to see a sort of snapshot of what we looked like as performers -- there was a great vibrancy to the paintings, and a sense of movement and energy that captured the intense mood beautifully. Olivier caught the colours and detail of our performances with formidable technique, and John Eliot's passion for the Bach came through particularly for me in Bertrand's paintings; the great sweeping gesture he makes with his right hand in the first movement of 'Christ Lag in Todes Banden' is instantly recognizable. It was an extraordinary week, intimately captured in paint.”
Esther Brazil
“The musical experience at Las Canals was unique. Body and soul were nourished by the stunning surroundings, the exquisite food and wine (in copious quantities!), and the generous hospitality of Georges and Odette. With the luxury of time and absence of everyday stresses, we were able to truly explore the exciting and varied repertoire, much of which had been previously unknown to us before the trip.”
Lucy Roberts
“I had a great experience in Las Canals, a small village in south France.
The music was exciting, lively, expressive with John-Eliot, and had an unforgetable time with friends in the nature and with the first class french cuisine.
It is very interesting how the moment of expression of the music or of the performers
is reproduced in the paintings, which was finished during the rehearsals. “
Sumiya Tomoki
"Fantastic to meet you both, and it was especially nice to see the paintings grow from day to day."
Edmund Saddington
"This week was a sumptuous feast for every sense. Georges and Odette were so very generous to us all and provided feasts of banquet-proportions at every meal. The setting was glorious and such an inspiration whilst making beautiful music together. John Eliot was wonderful to work with and it was a great privilege to be turned into works of art by our resident painters as the week went on. I hope that our audiences enjoyed it as much as we all did!"
Edmund Hastings
Susanna Fairbairn
“The dramatically beautiful, isolated environment at Las Canals is unique; as a singer, it allowed me to intensify my focus on technique and expression, and to involve myself in the music more deeply than would otherwise have been possible. Being observed by the two painters in rehearsal and performance had a new effect as well: as an ensemble, both the singers and instrumentalists experienced a heightened awareness of the process by which we were creating art together. After each session we were able to see a sort of snapshot of what we looked like as performers -- there was a great vibrancy to the paintings, and a sense of movement and energy that captured the intense mood beautifully. Olivier caught the colours and detail of our performances with formidable technique, and John Eliot's passion for the Bach came through particularly for me in Bertrand's paintings; the great sweeping gesture he makes with his right hand in the first movement of 'Christ Lag in Todes Banden' is instantly recognizable. It was an extraordinary week, intimately captured in paint.”
Esther Brazil
“The musical experience at Las Canals was unique. Body and soul were nourished by the stunning surroundings, the exquisite food and wine (in copious quantities!), and the generous hospitality of Georges and Odette. With the luxury of time and absence of everyday stresses, we were able to truly explore the exciting and varied repertoire, much of which had been previously unknown to us before the trip.”
Lucy Roberts
“I had a great experience in Las Canals, a small village in south France.
The music was exciting, lively, expressive with John-Eliot, and had an unforgetable time with friends in the nature and with the first class french cuisine.
It is very interesting how the moment of expression of the music or of the performers
is reproduced in the paintings, which was finished during the rehearsals. “
Sumiya Tomoki
"Fantastic to meet you both, and it was especially nice to see the paintings grow from day to day."
Edmund Saddington
"This week was a sumptuous feast for every sense. Georges and Odette were so very generous to us all and provided feasts of banquet-proportions at every meal. The setting was glorious and such an inspiration whilst making beautiful music together. John Eliot was wonderful to work with and it was a great privilege to be turned into works of art by our resident painters as the week went on. I hope that our audiences enjoyed it as much as we all did!"
Edmund Hastings