Affinità – Palazzetto Bru Zane, Venice

About this event

The concert "Beetween friends" (Italian title shown as "Affinità") explores the personal and artistic relationship between the Vicomtesse de Grandval (Clémence de Reiset, 1828–1907) and Camille Saint-Saëns (1835–1921). Presented by Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française, it forms part of the cycle "Clémence de Grandval, an unconventional vicomtesse" within the 2026/27 season. The programme pairs two piano trios for violin, cello and piano by these close friends, written roughly four decades apart, to illuminate their aesthetic kinship and lifelong exchange. Despite the social barriers faced by women in music, Grandval and Saint‑Saëns sustained a correspondence of mutual support and criticism, with Saint‑Saëns transitioning from early‑1850s mentor to long‑term advocate for Grandval in Parisian circles. Bringing these companion works together places chamber music at the heart of the concept and highlights a dialogue across time between two distinctive voices of French Romanticism.

Cast & creative

• 

  Violin

  Hugo Meder
• 

  Violin

  Hugo Meder
• B

  Cello

  Bo-Geun Park
• B

  Cello

  Bo-Geun Park
• 

  Piano

  Martin Jollet
• 

  Piano

  Martin Jollet
• C

  Composer

  Clémence de Grandval