A new ship has landed in Eastern Paris. After years of planning, quarreling, and oft-delayed construction, the Paris Philharmonic finally opens its doors to visitors and music aficionados from Paris and beyond.
At first look, the gigantic Jean Nouvel structure strikes by its size and differentiating architecture, especially in a part of town that’s often snubbed by tourists and Parisians alike. Opening the new flagship of classical music in a neighborhood where most didn’t have the income to take their family to listen to Rachmaninoff at posh Salle Pleyel has purpose: the Paris Philharmonic prides itself on being for everyone, with affordable ticket pricing, and access to various types of music.
The neighborhood around La Villette is undergoing a phase of redevelopment, with improved transportation options and a wave of creativity giving it more appeal. During Men’s Fashion week mid-January, the Philharmonie proved its budding importance in the landscape of Paris events, playing host to Kenzo and providing an impressive background to the fashion show. Most importantly, music lovers should rejoice: the acoustics are intended to be among the best in the world, far surpassing anything Paris has experienced before.
