Jazz at L'Opera de Lyon

We have heard that the Lyon Opera House created quite a stir when it was renovated.  Apparently, the dispute was over the superstructure that was added to the top of the original building.  Another part of the renovation was the expansion of the front terrace with the ability to protect it from the elements without actually enclosing it.  The result was the Péristyle, now an area for an informal lunch or late night dinner and a glass of wine or other beverage.   During the summer months they also have jazz concerts in the Péristyle – free jazz concerts!  Needless to say, they are well attended, and it’s often advisable to get a table early if you don’t want to spend the concert on your feet. 

L'Opera de Lyon

The Péristyle from the outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since we like jazz, we decided it was time to check this out.  The sets are at 7PM, 8:15PM, and 10PM.  We decided to go to the 7PM set; we arrived around 6:45 and were fortunate to find an open table.  The group, Adèle Bracco – Absolute Swing, included Adèle on vocals along with a sax, trumpet, guitar, piano, string bass, and drums.  They featured traditional jazz standards and were very good. 

Adèle Bracco – Absolute Swing

 (As a side note, the pianist, Bastien Brison, was excellent, but he appeared to be 16.  David checked online and found that he is actually 23, plays at quite a few venues and even has a band of his own.  We could tell the piano was just a natural extension of him – he played effortlessly, beautifully, and with obvious enjoyment.  Anna remarked that he was one of those kids she would have hated back when she was taking piano lessons.) 

The Péristyle from the inside.

 

 

Anyway, we enjoyed the band and the venue so much that we asked Dominique and Roger if they would like to join us there on the following Wednesday, this band’s last night at the Péristyle.  We arrived at 6PM this time and were able to find a good table for four.  Adèle and the group came through with another great set, and the audience (standing room only) obviously enjoyed it.

Afterwards the four of us walked over to a tapas restaurant and enjoyed a leisurely, late meal (though not late by Lyon standards) accompanied by good wine and great conversation.  It’s always nice to have a nice long chat with Dominique and Roger – we haven’t solved many world problems, but we’ve done an excellent job of identifying them!  Eventually, it was time to walk back towards the Opera House and the metro station.  Another very enjoyable evening in lovely Lyon!