practicing while in France

davko · Post by **davko** » 03 May 2007, 00:40

Can anyone advise me on how I might find a piano to play while visiting Cannes, France for one month? Are there any music stores, universities, or other facilities in the greater region (including Nice) that might rent out practice space? Even the name of a local contact would be an invaluable lead.

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 03 May 2007, 19:40

Have you emailed some of the retailers in that region quite a few of the big ones have practice rooms in the UK so France will be similar or they may rent you one for a month

Barrie

davko · Post by **davko** » 03 May 2007, 21:10

I have no clue as to the names of such retailers; it is this very information that would provide me with a good start. Many thanks.

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 03 May 2007, 21:33

You can start with the one below, he specks better English than me he will tell were to start

Barrie,

Chavanne Pianos
19 Av Hermes
31240 L'UNION
FRANCE
Contact: Mr. Chavanne
Tel: 561 12 30 45
Fax: 561 13 67 67
www.chavanne.com
info2 @ chavanne.com

davko · Post by **davko** » 04 May 2007, 13:50

He was unable to offer any assistance, being based in another part of the country. Any other sources, closer to my destination?

Openwood · Post by **Openwood** » 04 May 2007, 14:26

This might not be much help but it may be worth finding out the names of the organists in the prinicple cathedrals/churches in the area. They are usually active professional musicians and teachers who might have the kind of contacts you need.

PianoGuy · Post by **PianoGuy** » 04 May 2007, 18:47

Good idea Openwood.
Here's a good place to start.

davko · Post by **davko** » 05 May 2007, 19:53

Splendid idea, and one I'll definitely pursue. Incidentally, I'm a bit surprised I haven't been able to come across any garden-variety piano shops in Nice or Cannes via the Internet. If anyone knows how to access a local phone directory or the like (one that might list entries by business category, a la the States' "Yellow Pages"), this too might be helpful. Surely there are pianists living in Southern France... oui?

Again, many thanks.

Post by **Barrie Heaton** » 05 May 2007, 20:35

Try
http://www.google.fr/search?hl=fr&q=mag ... ogle&meta=

Openwood · Post by **Openwood** » 06 May 2007, 22:15

While you're there try to have a listen to the cathedral organists when they're improvising. It's a French tradition and they're just incredible at it.

I once sang with a quartet for mass at the cathedral in St. Malo - we sang a piece by Byrd at the end of the service, after which the organist (who didn't know in advance what we would be singing) improvised on Byrd's theme for over ten minutes, during which he made it into a fugue and then a romantic toccata. It was one of the most stunning things I ever heard. And they do it every week.

davko · Post by **davko** » 06 May 2007, 23:01

This will certainly add an unexpected and supremely worthwhile facet to my visit. Looking forward to it, with gratitude for sharing this interesting bit of info.

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practicing while in France

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