Magical Musical Moments

Magical Musical Moments at Saint-Chappelle The secret Claissical music venue in Paris that's simply sublime Janine Marsh follows in the footsteps of the Kings of France for a magical nightly concert Earnest faced angels with pale pink and blue wings and voluminous frocks hover, and solemn faced saints look down from their lofty perches over the musicians who stand beneath jewel coloured windows. Shadows flicker across the sculpted walls that have stood for centuries. The sweet sound of classical music fills the air. An enrapt audience breaks into spontaneous applause as the musicians finish. of the culture of Paris inside one of the most ancient of churches where Kings and Queens prayed and religious relics that cost immense fortunes were once housed. Sainte-Chappelle is a legendary building, almost 800 years old. It is now also an incredible night time venue where Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart and other masters of music have their greatest pieces played. This is a concert like no other… A true taste

The history It is quite extraordinary to be sitting in this building known as the "Holy Chapel" on the Ile de la Cité where the medieval Kings of France once lived. It’s a short walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral which was begun before the creation of Sainte-Chappelle but completed afterwards. It’s said that Sainte-Chappelle took just seven years to build and was consecrated on April 26th, 1248. Its purpose was to house relics which King Louis IX (1214- 1270), also known as Saint Louis, had bought. They were said to include fragments of the Crown of Thorns (now at Notre-Dame) and of the Holy Cross. Sainte-Chappelle is bijoux and quite stunningly beautiful. There are 15 windows, each 15 metres high, the stained glass panes depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments recounting the history of the world until the arrival of the relics in Paris. An astonishing work of art that must have been one of the wonders of its time – it still is. Music at Sainte-Chappelle You can visit Sainte-Chappelle during the day and, when the sun shines through those awesome windows, it’s like standing in a diamond encrusted jewel box. But, for a really magical experience, there are almost nightly classical music concerts held in this ancient place. As you sit here, in one of the most beautiful, historic buildings of Paris it is incredible to know that Kings and Queens have sat here before you. Listening to great classical music played by the passionate musicians is quite simply an encounter to cherish. The accoustics are magnificent, sending shivers up your spine, an incredible, inspiring and precious experience. There are two concerts each night, and, I highly recommend dinner afterwards at the Deux Palais brasserie across the road to completely round out your experience. Tickets are available for the concerts from less than 30 Euros. You can also book dinner at the same time via: classictic.com