Douce France
Barocco Foundation, in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, invites music lovers to a charming lunchtime concert on Tuesday 31 March 2026 at 12:30pm, set within the beautiful and historic Church of Our Lady of Victory. This intimate recital promises an evocative musical journey through the golden age of French chanson, brought to life by mezzo-soprano Clare Ghigo and accordionist Yuri Charyguine.
The programme celebrates the timeless melodies and poetic elegance associated with iconic French singers such as Yves Montand, Charles Trenet, Tino Rossi and Édith Piaf. Through a selection of beloved classics, the recital captures the romance, nostalgia and vibrant spirit of France in the twentieth century.
The concert takes its name from Trenet’s much-loved “Douce France”, composed with Léo Chauliac, and continues with the playful charm of “Coin de rue”. Audiences will be transported to the streets of Paris with “Les Champs-Élysées” by Mike Deighan and Pierre Delanoë, while the tender lyricism of “La Mer” once again showcases Trenet’s gift for melody. The enduring beauty of “Les Feuilles mortes” by Joseph Kosma and Jacques Prévert evokes autumnal reflection, contrasting with the bright optimism of “C’est si bon” by Henri Betti and André Hornez.
Themes of longing and devotion emerge in “J’attendrai” by Dino Olivieri and Louis Poterat, while “Méditerranée” by Francis Lopez and Raymond Vincy conjures sunlit southern shores. The emotional intensity of Piaf’s repertoire is represented by “Milord”, composed by Marguerite Monnot with lyrics by Georges Moustaki, and the immortal “La vie en rose” by Louiguy and Piaf herself. The programme also includes “Marinella” by Paul Misraki and André Hornez, a song that radiates Mediterranean warmth and lyrical grace.
Douce France: will be held at Our Lady of Victory church, Valletta on Tuesday 31st March 2026 at 12:30pm. Entrance to the concert is at a suggested donation of €13. One can obtain the tickets prior to the concert from the venue itself or by email: baroccobookings@gmail.com/baroccomalta@gmail.com or phone 79680952.