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To support the promotion of French culture worldwide, Crédit Agricole CIB is gearing up to sponsor the Paris Opera artists' tour across Asia. We look forward to your attendance on February 16, 2024 for the ballet performance of L'Histoire de Manon at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Hall.
Today, what matters most is the story of our strong and important partnership. We invite you to continue and cherish this collaboration.
"We feel we are adding to its impact, to the influence of French culture, to the inspiration of Paris. And that's a mission we hold dear."
- Xavier Musca
Crédit Agricole CIB actively supports forward-looking initiatives that foster artistic creation, the discovery of world cultures, and the transmission of artistic heritage. Since 2018, we have proudly collaborated with the Opéra national de Paris, actively contributing to the milestones that define its significance.
Our commitment extends to various facets of the opera house's mission. We support its dedication to artistic excellence, the global reach of French culture and the advancement of technological innovations that enhance the accessibility and transmission of lyrical and choreographic arts to diverse audiences.
This partnership allows us, whether at the Opéra Bastille or the Palais Garnier, to unite customers, employees, and partners under a common purpose of sharing, discovering, and preserving the world of lyrical and choreographic arts.
As you embark on this emotional and innovative journey, from Handel to Ravel, viaChopin and Verdi, allow the melodies from our playlist to guide you through this remarkable experience.
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Our encounter with the Opéra began in 2018, as part of our support for Les Arts Florissants, which brought a Baroque opera, Jephta, a rare and refined oratorio by Georg Friedrich Handel, to the Palais Garnier stage for the first time. Maestro William Christie conducted his orchestra Les Arts Florissants, a pioneering ensemble dedicated to rediscovering and promoting the Baroque repertoire since 1979. In this setting, Crédit Agricole CIB organised its first exclusive event for esteemed clients on January 17, 2018. This date remains etched in memory for the exceptional quality of the production, the splendor of the venue, and the privileged access granted to the Opéra national de Paris.
On track 1, enjoy the artistry and flair with which these musicians champion this challenging repertoire.
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This first experience confirmed Crédit Agricole CIB's desire to contribute to the dissemination of the lyrical and choreographic arts. In the ensuing months, the bank strengthened its patronage of the Opéra national de Paris by actively supporting the institution during the celebration of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Académie royale de Musique, which ultimately gave birth to the Opéra de Paris.
The bank chose to sponsor two new productions that gracefully complemented each other. These adaptations offered not only contrasting interpretations but also distinct foreign viewpoints on Alexandre Dumas fils'French novel, “La Dame aux camélias”!
The initial event, scheduled for December 4, 2018, coincided with a performance of John Neumeier's ballet adaptation of “La Dame aux camélias" set to the enchanting music of Chopin (including the Second Piano Concerto, Ballades, and Preludes, spanning tracks 2 to 4).
In 2019, Crédit Agricole CIB proudly sponsored the production of Giuseppe Verdi's opera, “La Traviata” (featured in tracks 5 and 6). This production stood out not only for its innovative interpretation by Simon Stone but also for the inclusion of the renowned SouthAfrican soprano, Pretty Yende, a global sensation on the world's stages.
The bank cordially invited its valued clients and partners to join them at the Palais Garnier on October 1, 2019, for an opportunity to experience this splendid production firsthand.
The Crédit Agricole Group has a worldwide presence with offices spanning the entire globe. Following its support for the anniversary of the Académie de Musique, the Bank has chosen to become a Major Partner of the Ballet del'Opéra's tour throughout Asia and the Middle East. This initiative contributes significantly to the promotion of French culture on an international scale.
Cities like Singapore, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi were able to enjoy a series of exquisite choreographic performances. These showcase the unparalleled virtuosity of the Ballet's dancers and highlight the richness of works by cherished choreographers within the institution, including Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Crystal Pite, and William Forsythe. The performances are set to music by a diverse range of composers, including Antonio Vivaldi, Max Richter (featured in tracks 7-8), and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (track 9).
In March 2020, the Opéra national de Paris, much like concert hallsaround the world, had to close its doors. This situation raised important questions about the accessibility of cultural events and the issue of socialisolation, especially among the elderly, a challenge that needed to be addressed urgently.
Crédit Agricole CIB and the Opéra national de Paris embarked on a quest for innovative solutions. The Bank extended its support to a new solidarity initiative by the Opéra national de Paris: the broadcast, both in replay and live (recordings without an audience) modes, of performances to be enjoyed by millions of television viewers and internet users. This initiative emerged at a time when the need for cultural, emotional, and spiritual enrichment was more critical than ever.
This collective effort has now evolved into a remarkable social innovation project, closely tied to the #TousMobilisésPourNosAînés (All Mobilized for Our Seniors) initiative by the Fondation Crédit Agricole Solidarité et Développement. The project aims to introduce art and culture into the daily lives of residents in retirement homes (EHPAD) through the use of virtual reality headsets specially adapted to the needs of the elderly.
As the Opéra national de Paris opened its doors to the public once more, it marked a significant moment for the artists who find themselves performing before a half-capacity audience.
In its role as the Grand Patron and Outreach Patron of the Opéra national de Paris, Crédit Agricole CIB naturally extended an invitation to its partners for a joyful and lighthearted event. On September 30, 2021, both clients and employees had the opportunity to rediscover the ballet Play by Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman—a playful, whimsical, and dreamlike performance filled with energy that leaves a lasting impression. Additionally, on track 9, you can experience the electrifying contribution of French percussionist Adélaïde Ferrière to Isaac Albéniz's Suite Espagnole from this remarkable production.
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Crédit Agricole CIB is strenghtening its ongoing support for the Opéranational de Paris by now participating in one show and one international toureach year.
On February 16, 2023, Crédit Agricole CIB presented its partners with an evening dedicated to the choreographer George Balanchine, showcasing the richness of his artistic persona bridging his native Russia and adopted UnitedStates (tracks 11-13). Subsequently, on November 9, 2023, the bank commemorated its elevated status as the "Principal Patron" of the Opéra national de Paris at the Palais Garnier, with a special evening devoted to the American choreographer Jerome Robbins (tracks 14-15).
Following our collaboration in Tokyo with a concert by the Académie de l'Opéra de Paris in October 2022, we are proud to announce our role as a Major Partner in the Paris Opera Ballet's tour of Korea in March 2023. This tour included a splendid performance of Giselle (featured in track 16) at the LG Arts Center in Seoul. These milestones mark our ongoing commitment to promote France's cultural heritage on a worldwide stage. We are excited to support a new Ballet tour in Japan early 2024, featuring an exceptional performance of L'Histoire de Manon on February 16. As a preview, immerse yourself in track 17, the poignant melody by Jules Massenet that inspired the choreography of British choreographer Kenneth McMillan.
This special evening presents a chance to celebrate with you five years of shared emotions, discoveries, and creations. It is an opportunity to collectively shape the future of this profound, and indispensable collaboration.
We are looking forward to welcoming you on February 16.
