Opening Concert

From child prodigy to global icon, Judy Garland embodies the golden age of the American musical all on her own. Her radiant yet vulnerable voice has endured through the decades, still touching the hearts of generations of listeners. This programme traces her journey through twelve iconic songs, from Somewhere Over the Rainbow to Get Happy, including classics such as Embraceable You and Let There Be Love.

Reimagined by The Amazing Keystone Big Band, a French jazz orchestra renowned for its infectious energy, this legendary repertoire is given a fresh new colour. The dazzling voice and vibrant personality of Neima Naouri – daughter of the celebrated opera singers Nathalie Dessay and Laurent Naouri – bring these timeless melodies to life and make them resonate with a strikingly contemporary intensity.

This concert was also born from a dream: that of Jodie Devos, a close friend of the musicians, who longed to sing Judy Garland with the Keystone Big Band. Bright, joyful, and sparkling, we celebrate Garland’s enduring legacy while carrying the spirit of Jodie, for whom this repertoire meant so much, close at heart. A musical journey where two luminous destinies meet, united in a shared burst of joy and freedom.