From January 29 to February 4, the fourth edition of the Music & Wine event took place at Constance Prince Maurice and Constance Belle Mare Plage, and it worked its magic once again!
The Music & Wine experience
The concept is to bring together renowned French winemakers presenting their estates and nectars; local and international musical talent; and an enthusiastic public, ready to feast! Once again, the multi-sensory experience orchestrated by the Constance Hotels & Resorts group – with Corporate Sommelier Jérôme Faure at the helm – was a success. Stimulating sight, smell, taste and touch, the oenological journey through Corsica, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley was accompanied by a culinary discovery to match. Divine food and wine pairings were complemented by live musical performances throughout the week at the group’s two Mauritian hotels. Soulful rhythms, talented violinists, spellbinding pianists…
Cuvée 2023
In an inclusive move to encourage young local artists, this year’s festival was the venue for the Mauritius “Best Young Pianist” competition. Composer and pianist Michel Amsellem – who has accompanied the likes of Eddy Mitchell, Florent Pagny and Johnny Hallyday – led a master class for students at the François Mitterrand Conservatoire. At the end of this, three young Mauritian prodigies thrilled the keys – and the audience – before being chosen by a professional jury.
The coronation of Gregory Ramalingum
At the closing gala at the Constance Prince Maurice, Michel Amsellem, along with jazz songwriters and conservatory teachers Belingo Faro and Neshen Teeroovengadum, crowned nominee Gregory Ramalingum with a round-trip ticket to France, where he will meet his international colleagues. Although his original composition Enilorac won out over fellow contestants Andy Duval and Angelito Bien aimé, the quality of all three performances totally blew me away! Last but not least, the highlight of the show was a beautiful fireworks display by renowned French artist Sofia Essaïdi, whose velvety voice was accompanied by Michel Amsellem on piano, taking us into a world of shivering glamour! Sublime interpretations in English and French that are still running through my head…
Let’s wish young Gregory all the best for a future that’s clearly all set, beautiful Sofia a return to France rich in memories and sharing, and the next Music & Wine edition the same success as the 2023 vintage!
