Celebrating Paul Mauriat's 100th Anniversary with Original Scores Concert
On July 31, 2023, a special concert titled ‘Paul Mauriat “Love Sounds” Orchestra’ took place at the Tokyo International Forum A Hall, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the legendary French musician Paul Mauriat. Known for classics like 'Love is Blue' and 'Theme from A Summer Place,' Mauriat dominated the Easy Listening genre and performed approximately 1,000 concerts in Japan, leaving a profound impact on the country's music culture.
This remarkable concert, endorsed by Mauriat's widow, was unique as it featured original scores, making it the only official concert of its kind in the world. Leading the orchestra was conductor Shinpei Sasaki, renowned for his elegant style reminiscent of Mauriat's conducting. The performance was brought to life by the 'Paul Mauriat “Love Sounds” Orchestra,' composed of top musicians who managed to embody the distinctive sound of Mauriat's music.
At 1 PM, the show commenced with a heartfelt movie montage highlighting Paul Mauriat's life, followed by the world premiere of 'Opening,' a piece composed for Mauriat’s visit in 1985. The orchestra filled the auditorium with hits like 'Tears' Toccata' and 'Love's Creed,' enveloping attendees in a wave of nostalgia. The MC, Nobusuke Kasai, shared the concert's journey, noting that it took seven years from conception to realization, largely thanks to the relentless efforts of the official fan club representative, Takashi Obuchi, who often travelled to France to meet with Mauriat's widow. Kasai also paid tribute to Irene, who passed away in April at the age of 100, suggesting that she and Paul were watching over the performance from above.
The concert displayed several of Mauriat's favorites, including 'Minuet of the Breeze' and a medley that included 'Melody Fair' and 'Forbidden Games.' The first half closed with a crescendo of classics. In the second act, a montage of childhood photographs of conductor Shinpei Sasaki set the nostalgic tone, leading into 'Seven Seas.' Kasai revealed that Sasaki was wearing Mauriat's own costume, to which Sasaki expressed his amazement at the serendipity of it fitting him perfectly, feeling a deep connection to the outfit.
Accordionist Saburo Tanooka joined to perform a medley highlighting the accordion's rich sound, featuring pieces like 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Under the Paris Skies.' The set included iconic tracks such as 'Pearls of the Aegean Sea,' 'Love is Blue,' and 'Olive Necklace,' drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. An encore saw the orchestra return to perform 'Olive Necklace' once more, culminating a magical performance.
At the end, Kasai remarked, ‘The splendid Paul Mauriat sound has vividly been revived in Japan. I believe the fantastic performances have not only reignited nostalgia but also offered the younger audience a chance to appreciate this fashionable and innovative sound of Paul Mauriat.’ This concert was indeed a successful tribute to the enduring legacy of Paul Mauriat, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
For those who attended, a commemorative concert pamphlet was available for purchase, containing the setlist, insights about the pieces performed, and photographs from previous concerts, making it an ideal keepsake for this centennial celebration. The 'Paul Mauriat “Love Sounds” Orchestra' is set to continue performing on July 31, 2025, with shows in the afternoon and an additional evening performance, as well as a concert in Osaka on August 17, 2025.
Official Website: Paul Mauriat Concert
©️ Tomoko Hidaki
This remarkable concert, endorsed by Mauriat's widow, was unique as it featured original scores, making it the only official concert of its kind in the world. Leading the orchestra was conductor Shinpei Sasaki, renowned for his elegant style reminiscent of Mauriat's conducting. The performance was brought to life by the 'Paul Mauriat “Love Sounds” Orchestra,' composed of top musicians who managed to embody the distinctive sound of Mauriat's music.
At 1 PM, the show commenced with a heartfelt movie montage highlighting Paul Mauriat's life, followed by the world premiere of 'Opening,' a piece composed for Mauriat’s visit in 1985. The orchestra filled the auditorium with hits like 'Tears' Toccata' and 'Love's Creed,' enveloping attendees in a wave of nostalgia. The MC, Nobusuke Kasai, shared the concert's journey, noting that it took seven years from conception to realization, largely thanks to the relentless efforts of the official fan club representative, Takashi Obuchi, who often travelled to France to meet with Mauriat's widow. Kasai also paid tribute to Irene, who passed away in April at the age of 100, suggesting that she and Paul were watching over the performance from above.
The concert displayed several of Mauriat's favorites, including 'Minuet of the Breeze' and a medley that included 'Melody Fair' and 'Forbidden Games.' The first half closed with a crescendo of classics. In the second act, a montage of childhood photographs of conductor Shinpei Sasaki set the nostalgic tone, leading into 'Seven Seas.' Kasai revealed that Sasaki was wearing Mauriat's own costume, to which Sasaki expressed his amazement at the serendipity of it fitting him perfectly, feeling a deep connection to the outfit.
Accordionist Saburo Tanooka joined to perform a medley highlighting the accordion's rich sound, featuring pieces like 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Under the Paris Skies.' The set included iconic tracks such as 'Pearls of the Aegean Sea,' 'Love is Blue,' and 'Olive Necklace,' drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience. An encore saw the orchestra return to perform 'Olive Necklace' once more, culminating a magical performance.
At the end, Kasai remarked, ‘The splendid Paul Mauriat sound has vividly been revived in Japan. I believe the fantastic performances have not only reignited nostalgia but also offered the younger audience a chance to appreciate this fashionable and innovative sound of Paul Mauriat.’ This concert was indeed a successful tribute to the enduring legacy of Paul Mauriat, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
For those who attended, a commemorative concert pamphlet was available for purchase, containing the setlist, insights about the pieces performed, and photographs from previous concerts, making it an ideal keepsake for this centennial celebration. The 'Paul Mauriat “Love Sounds” Orchestra' is set to continue performing on July 31, 2025, with shows in the afternoon and an additional evening performance, as well as a concert in Osaka on August 17, 2025.
Official Website: Paul Mauriat Concert
©️ Tomoko Hidaki
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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