SALLE GAVEAU

QCEG: “First of all, we would love to get to know you better—your life, your interests, and your tastes. This includes your passion for music, media, entertainment, and humanitarian causes. What are some things you absolutely love?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “My tastes are quite diverse. Music holds a special place in my heart; it's more than just an interest—it's my life. I've been surrounded by it since childhood, and that connection has only deepened over the years. Yet, beyond music, I find joy in culture in its broadest sense—whether it's through painting, literature, or theater. Through culture, I seek intellectual nourishment, but also beauty. That's what attracts me to fashion as well—beauty and elegance.

Humanitarian causes go beyond interests; it's a duty that everyone should participate in according to their sensitivity. There's so much to do, so much pain and misery in the world. Contributing to humanitarian causes is a way for me to make a positive impact and be a part of something greater than myself. It's a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the responsibility we all share in creating a better world.”

     

QCEG: “We know that you have a passion for music and entertainment. Can you share more about it and what inspired you to work with Salle Gaveau?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “I grew up in Nice, in the south of France, and I used to gaze at the iconic Salle Gaveau from a distance. It was a dream for me, something beyond imagination that I could one day have access to. Countless legendary artists have graced its stage. The owners of the venue, Mr. and Mrs. Fournier, graciously extended this opportunity to me, and now, my affection for this venue goes beyond mere admiration—much like theirs. It's not just a job; it's a passion. It's a love story with this enchanting place, and I feel a profound connection to it. Serving it is an honor, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its magic. ”

     

QCEG: “In your role as the director of Salle Gaveau, how do you approach promoting the theatre to the public?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “As the director of the venue, I strive to craft a program that appeals to a diverse audience. With the owners' approval, I've broadened our offerings to include jazz performances and conferences on various topics. Our communication strategy is aligned with our diverse program. We actively engage on social media and collaborate with specialized outlets such as Radio Classique for classical concerts and TSF Jazz for jazz series. Additionally, we advertise in mainstream newspapers like Le Figaro.

Our outreach extends to the support of various personalities who grace the stage at Gaveau, and they leverage their own channels of communication.

It is crucial for us that each performer can connect with their unique audience.”

     

QCEG: “What aspects of the theatre's history or its unique characteristics do you find most fascinating?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “I find several aspects of Salle Gaveau truly fascinating. Firstly, its unparalleled beauty and exceptional acoustics, recognized globally, make it stand out. The quality it offers to both performers and the audience is truly remarkable.

Equally captivating is its rich history. The venue holds a special place in my heart because it was rescued by Mr. and Mrs. Fournier when it was on the brink of being demolished to make way for a parking lot. This historical rescue makes Salle Gaveau a unique exception in the realm of Parisian theaters. What's particularly noteworthy is that it operates as a private venue without relying on subsidies.

It is also a classified venue. It is, therefore, part of the common heritage.”

     

QCEG: “Can you tell us about the other activities of Salle Gaveau? I know that you also organise fashion shows, among other events. Could you provide some information on this?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “Certainly! We take pride in offering a diverse range of events, all marked by excellence. Fashion has naturally become an integral part of Salle Gaveau, featuring in various spaces like Salle Chantal, Salle Ravel, Salon Rostropovitch, and the iconic main hall Gaveau. One of our esteemed partners, the haute couture house Julien Fournié, has showcased their First Sunshine and First Shield collections during the last two Fashion Weeks at our venue.

The elegant salons on the fifth floor have also been regularly utilized for activities such as photo shoots, ephemeral creation workshops, showrooms, and more. Over the years, renowned designers like Karl Lagerfeld have graced our venue to showcase their exceptional collections.”

     

QCEG: “Can you share a memorable experience or production that strengthened your love for the theatre and motivated you?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “Every concert at Salle Gaveau holds a special place in my heart, and each experience feels like a privilege. Among the many memorable moments in this magnificent venue, one that particularly stands out is the first time I had the honor of welcoming the extraordinary Placido Domingo. His presence and voice are truly unique, marking him as a legend and, in my view, the last of the "giants." That moment was not only artistically enriching but also a source of inspiration that deepened my passion for the theatre. ”

     

QCEG: “How do you balance preserving the theatre's heritage with the need to attract new diverse audiences?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “Preserving the heritage of this magnificent and classified venue is at the forefront of our priorities. We carefully curate events to avoid anything that could contribute to its degradation. However, like any historic space, there is natural wear and tear, necessitating ongoing renovation work. This becomes financially challenging as a private entity.

Fortunately, the audience that frequents our theatre is inherently respectful of the venue's significance.

In fact, a significant portion of our activities is dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the building. This dual focus allows us to honour the theatre's rich heritage while also creating an inviting space for new and diverse audiences to appreciate and enjoy.”

     

QCEG: “What strategies or campaigns have you found most effective in engaging the community and increasing awareness of theatre events? ”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “In my experience, I've found that nothing is more effective today than campaigns led by the artists themselves for their own audience. Such campaigns naturally target people who follow and eagerly anticipate their performances. The impact is notably different on evenings when the artist has personally engaged compared to those when they have not. This personal touch adds a unique and compelling dimension to our community engagement efforts and significantly raises awareness of our theatre events.”

     

QCEG: “Have you encountered any specific challenges in theatre promotion, and how have you overcome them?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “In the current landscape, the post-COVID era has brought about significant changes in people's habits. Following the lockdown, many individuals, despite disliking confinement, have persisted in their altered routines. For instance, opting for meal deliveries over restaurant visits and subscribing to TV services instead of going to the cinema have become prevalent. In essence, people are inclined to avoid going out. However, for live performances, an engaged audience is crucial, both for the sustenance of shows and for providing artists with the audience that serves as their raison d'être — their reason to live. Ensuring an adequate audience remains a daily challenge, impacting the funding of shows and the vitality of artists. Looking ahead, navigating this evolving landscape will undoubtedly pose a substantial challenge for the future.”

     

QCEG: “What are the upcoming events or productions that particularly excite you?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming Maestro Placido Domingo once again on April 4, among other exciting events. However, I must say that each of our productions brings me immense joy.

My passion lies in music, culture, and beauty, particularly in the talented artists who grace our stage. I am especially enthusiastic about showcasing young talents to our audience. One such artist is the talented Russian pianist, Nikolai Kuznetsov, whom we actively support. Every concert featuring him is a true marvel.”

     

QCEG: “In your opinion, how does the theatre contribute to the cultural fabric of the community, and how do you communicate this? ?”
Marie-Automne Peyregne: “Salle Gaveau holds a central position in the heart of Paris, making it accessible to everyone. As previously mentioned, it is a classified and private venue. Each show is, therefore, directly produced by the spectators who purchase tickets. At Gaveau, the audience takes on the role of producers, making it their venue—the place of the public and Parisians alike. Our aim is to craft shows for them, with the primary focus on catering to their preferences rather than aiming to impress critics.

My vision for Salle Gaveau is for it to become a venue that belongs to everyone and to be part of their history. ”