An Evening for All, with Charlie Chaplin.
Celebrating Diversity
3/14/20252 min read
There are times when I suddenly feel terrifically proud of France, and this evening was one of them. As a frequent visitor to 'L'Opéra Orchestre de Montpellier' for concerts and operas, I receive regular emails about what is going on. This evening an email arrived telling me of two concerts celebrating the music from the silent films of Charlie Chaplin. On the 17th and 18th April , music and film lovers can enjoy the film 'Modern Times' with musical accompaniment by the Montpellier National Orchestra. The screening will be followed by excerpts of music from other Charlie Chaplin films such as 'The Gold Rush.' But there is more to this than meets the eye.
"So? A night of music, albeit accompanying a film. What's so special about that?" Well, the concert on April 18th has been designated 'Culture Relax.' " What's that?" you might well ask. Well, I didn't know what that meant either, but I was soon to learn. 'Culture Relax' means that this particular concert is open to everyone, whatever their age, whatever their handicap. They are welcome to express their joy and pleasure in whatever way they feel appropriate.They can enjoy an evening of culture, and feel neither threatened nor unwelcome. Families, for example, who may have a severely autistic child, will be able to come to this concert together. Their child may be unusually voluble when expressing their pleasure. So what? This concert is for that child too, just as much as it is for his brothers and sisters and any one else who wishes to come along. As an ex- teacher, I have always felt strongly about including children with 'special needs' in mainstream schools wherever possible, for the benefit of the whole family. This is the same principle. Older concert goers too, who may be suffering from confusion: they will be made to feel welcome and included. Montpellier does sometimes stage concerts for the hard of hearing with vibrating wearable vests( or gilets) and indeed, the blind and the deaf have always traditionally been catered for. But there are many other handicaps which cause people to hide away, and feel unwelcome. But not on this occasion. This concert is Inclusive: it is for Everyone . Bravo Montpellier, and 'more power to your elbow.'
