On the smiling and moving set of “Prodiges”, season 9

In studio 128 of La Plaine Saint-Denis, reigns an atmosphere of the great evenings. Without ever being formal, “Prodigies” has been transporting us since 2014 into the magical and festive world of music, singing and classical dance. TVMagazine , partner of this elegant and exemplary television moment in many respects, followed the time of filming, this prodigious youth, behind the scenes and on the set. “The great Christmas ball”, title announced by France 2 for this semi-final, leaves no doubt about the broadcast period. Alexandra Redde-Amiel, director of entertainment for France Télévisions, clarifies: “ We continue to bring this theme of the imagination to life, like a timeless moment that makes us dream. This program aims to bring the family together“.

Read alsoJulie Fuchs makes her comeback in season 9 of “Prodigies”

The 15 young artists aged 9 to 16, five per category, await with enthusiasm and fervor to present their piece of bravery. Too concentrated to really heckle, they do not hesitate to support their companions. “Each year, we receive between 450 and 600 applicationsexplains Nicolas Missoffe, producer at EndemolShine France.

An enthusiastic initiator

Michel Eli, co-creator of this remarkable public service programme, says: “Every year I take a bath of youth. “Prodiges” has a social role. These children and teenagers are well dressed, hardworking, smiling and in love with their art. We feel a great emulation and a lot of emotions“. The great works of the classics and the talent of the children have a lot to do with it. When the tears occasionally flow,Faustine Bollaert knows how to be very consoling and attentive.

Julie Fuchs again in the light

At the jury table, we find the soprano Julie Fuchsalongside the famous cellist Gautier Capuconhistoric juror of instrumentalists and sponsor of the Orchester à l’école association, and of Marie-Claude Pietragalla, who has brought her perspective as a star dancer and choreographer since season 5 of “Prodiges”. Replaced last year by the mezzo-soprano Gaelle ArquezJulie Fuchs rediscovers her beautiful bond with Gautier Capuçon as well as her ardor when it comes to going on stage.

Faustine hangs on Shostakovich

Faustine Bollaert connects with great professionalism the presentation of “Prodigies” but quickly slipping Shostakovich or Lascia ch’io pianga (Aria by Handel) is not so easy even with a well loosened tongue. A little clash that relaxes everyone. It is also the art of the presenter of “It starts today” to bring daily life and naturalness with gaiety. Note that Faustine Bollaert presented “Symphony for Life – Special Yellow Pieces” alongside Gautier Capuçon.

Wounded, he goes on stage

The father of a young dancer massages his son’s calf for a long time backstage. Injured, the young man nevertheless performs a clean and neat performance. The law of the contest wants that the whole of the accomplished work and the efforts is judged in 2 to 3 minutes of service. However, all the candidates can count on the unfailing support of the Divertimento symphony orchestra, by Zahia Ziouani. The conductor always sets the tone highlighting the singer or the instrumentalist. The young artists are also accompanied by the 40 choristers of the Chœur de Paris, brought together by Till Aly, and by the ballet of the Winter Palace in Saint-Petersburg.

A sharp jury and a warm public

Each performance is greeted by a concert of applause from the public and the standing ovations are legion. The trio of jurors, very precise in their comments and recommendations, lifts an interesting veil on the technical terms of their art. On the other hand, the microphone does not remain open during the deliberations. Soon will be the grand finale with the 9 very promising finalists, three per category. One of them will succeed the clarinetist Simon Lopezprodigy of season 8.